John Kapp

Johnnie Avis Kapp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on September 8, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Louis William Kapp and Murle Eleanor Kapp. He was the third oldest of five children. He remained very close with his brothers and sisters: Bettie Ann, Louis (Marilyn), Ted (Kay), and Fred. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and two brothers (Fred and Ted).

Growing up, he worked on a farm, where the values of hard work, gratitude, and family were woven deeply into his life. The farm was the heart of his childhood. He often spoke fondly of his happiest memories—milking and feeding the cows, pigs, and chickens, collecting eggs, and caring for the animals he loved so much: dogs, cats, and horses. John played baseball in high school, serving as a skilled pitcher who could fill in wherever he was needed. His work ethic began early with many different kinds of work: a soda jerk at the local drugstore, a well driller, working in an automobile plant in Detroit, and spending ten years in underground excavation. His biggest career chapter began when he entered the KFC franchise business—a path that would shape much of his life. He later became a franchise owner in Logan, Utah, where he worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years. Even after retirement, he continued working as a delivery truck driver because he believed in staying active.

While living in Los Altos, California, his life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Eelje. What began as casual lunch visits to KFC, where she worked, quickly became something much more meaningful—love at first sight. They were married on February 1, 1971, in Los Altos. They eventually settled in Logan, Utah. Together they raised a beautiful family of four and built a life centered on faith, service, and love.

He cherished traveling with his family—especially Hawaii, Disneyland, and Disney World—where he loved seeing his children experience joy. He enjoyed country music and would often sing to the family on car trips.

John’s accomplishments were many, but the ones he valued most were finishing high school, marrying his sweetheart, raising their family, and successfully operating the KFC franchise. His guiding principles were simple yet profound: be honest, be respectful, help others, treat everyone kindly, and lead by example. Above all, John was incredibly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and wanted nothing more than a world where they could all be happy and successful.

He will be remembered for his compassion, friendliness, willingness to help others, and the warm smile he shared so freely. His legacy lives on in the family he adored and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and hard work.

He will be deeply missed.John is survived by his wife Eelje, his children Chris (Amelia) Whelchel, Karie (Shayne) Rhodes, Stephanie (Jimmy) Pangos, and Nissa (Dustin) Hansen and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his brother Louis.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 10-11:30 am at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 East 1800 North, in North Logan. A graveside service will be held at Noon at the Hyde Park Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.