Gail Kappelmann

Gail Louise Kappelmann May 10, 1952 - October 19, 2025 Gail Kappelmann loved life! She made the most of every moment and was a perpetual optimist. Gail always possessed the attitude that things would turn out the way they were supposed to and she rarely worried about anything, except the people she loved. Even with those she loved she was more of a doer than a worrier. If she worried about someone for a specific reason she would try to find a way to help solve the problem instead of wasting time worrying. She was very generous and always willing to help someone she loved but never wanted a lot of fanfare about it. Gail was an incredibly hard worker. She worked different jobs while raising her small children, she grew a garden, home cooked all of the family meals from scratch, and literally, with saws, hammers, and lumber, helped build a home for her family. Gail went to work for UPS as a part time truck loader in the mid 80’s eventually earning a spot as a full time package delivery driver. At this time there weren’t any other women working at the local UPS center and it was oftentimes a challenge. But Gail never backed down from a challenge, she met them headfirst with strength, courage, and a work ethic that became legendary in UPS circles. Gail loved going places with the people she loved, from big vacations to local fall festivals on Saturdays, she liked to Go. Some of her favorite trips were the cruises she took with her daughters, sisters, son in laws, and friends. She loved the annual girls float trip that she took with some of her most beloved women every summer and enjoyed taking short trips with friends, family, or by herself to the casino. Her most favorite place to visit was the beach. She loved the water, the warm sand, and the sound of the waves. The beach was her happy place. Gail was a very strong and independent woman. Through her actions she demonstrated to her daughters that they could do anything they set their minds to and that they could stand on their own two feet but that she would be standing behind them no matter what. Gail was her daughters’ number 1 fan and she referred to them as the loves of her life. Gail was married to her husband Thomas until his passing in April of 2025. She was an amazing wife and supportive partner to him for all 55 years of their marriage. They were a perfectly matched set, knowing each other so well that their quirks and personalities fit like puzzle pieces. Gail was a great role model in many ways. She was fun-loving, easy-going, and good natured. She was also very intelligent, loved to read, and loved movies. She loved spending time with her grandkids, whom she treated as friends, talking about books and attending movies together. She loved Mexican food, Andy’s Frozen Custard, and 7 Brew coffee. Gail is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas. She is survived by daughters Heather Rees (Ric), Heidi Darrow (Michael), and Tomi Coomer (Brad), Grandson Elijah Pettit (Paige), granddaughter Gracie Coomer and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all of whom will miss the love and light she brought to their lives. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family request to please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gail’s memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at Gail & Tom's home: 3876 County Road 4990, Willow Springs, MO, 65793, on November 8, 2025, starting at 1 p.m. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, MO

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Gail Kappelmann

May 10, 1951 - October 19, 2025