William “Bill” Kaple, 82, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2022. He was born January 15, 1940 in New Washington, Ohio to the late Vincent and Frances (Tompkins) Kaple. Bill graduated from New Washington High School in 1958. He attended Muskingum College and Heidelberg College. On June 10, 1961 he married Barbara Jean Rothschild. They were married for 61 years.
Bill was employed in his family’s lumber business, Kaple Lumber, starting in high school until retirement in 2002. He delivered lumber throughout northern Ohio and eventually handled timber purchases. Bill was also a lifelong member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
Bill was a sports enthusiast and lettered in basketball, baseball and track while in high school. He also played baseball with an American Legion team while in high school and for a semi-pro baseball team after high school. He continued to play slow-pitch softball in New Washington for many years. Bill also supported Buckeye Central sports teams by helping with the 250 Booster Club, keeping the basketball scorebook and running the clock for football games for over 30 years. He also supported Colonel Crawford basketball where his son coaches. Bill was an avid Notre Dame, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He also enjoyed many years of following his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Bernard “Bud” Kaple and Charles “Tom” Kaple; and brothers-in-law, Tom Frazee and Dale Smith.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Barbara Kaple; children, Karen (Blake) Simpson, Beth (Eric) Hiler, Jennifer (Randy) Shaver and Brett (Lori) Kaple; grandchildren, Samantha (Jake) Pylman, Jessica (Scott) Long, Kelsey Simpson, Katherine Simpson, Emily (Scott) Burger, Kimberly (Cody) Bauer, Taylor (Evan) Gwirtz, Olivia Shaver, Griffin Shaver, Chloe Kaple, Ruth Kaple; step grandchildren, Jenna Maddy and Jake Maddy; great grandchildren, Jackson, Thomas and Madilyn Burger, Luke and Mallory Bauer, Anderson, Oakland and Quinn Gwirtz and Wes Long.
Bill is also survived by three sisters, Mary Jean Smith, Jan Frazee and Suzanne (Ben) Lash; one brother, David (Heather) Kaple; and two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Kaple and Flossie Kaple.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 422 W Mansfield St., New Washington, Ohio 44854 with Father Michael Diemer officiating. Private burial will take place at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in New Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
PAUL AND SHIRLEY ZIMMERMAN - Dec 22, 2022
Barb, Karen, Jenny, Bret, Mary Jean, Suzanne, Jan, David and other family members, our sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Bill. We were so saddened to hear about his passing. When we were neighbors, we had many conversations about the Indians. Our prayers are with you all.
Mary & Brian Bevier - Dec 21, 2022
Jen, Barb and family, What a life journey Bill has had, so full of love and family. I feel like I grew up in your home and have so many memories from that little brick house, and walking across the yard in between. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the coming days, weeks, months. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Mary & Brian
Chris & Tonya Fike - Dec 21, 2022
We are thinking of all of you and hoping beautiful memories will bring you comfort and peace, as you grieve the loss of your loved.
Karen Alt - Dec 20, 2022
My sincere sympathy to all of Bill's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck and Cindy Snyder - Dec 19, 2022
We are very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was always very supportive of Buckeye Central athletic programs and will be greatly missed.
Bob and Sharon Hamm - Dec 19, 2022
To all Kaple Family members…. Sharon and I were so saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. So enjoyed Bills’ support (and the entire Kaple Family) during our stay/work in New Washington. So many great/fond members. Bill was one of my favorite community members. Always a kind word, helpful hand and that great smile! He’ll surely be missed. In sympathy and friendship, Bob and Sharon Hamm
Darl "Pete" Mills - Dec 19, 2022
Billy was one of my Best Friends at St. Bernards, until my family moved from New Washington in 1951. I was very sorry to learn of his passing. The family has mine and my family's deepest Condolences.
Paula Newlove - Dec 19, 2022
Karen, I am so sorry to read the news of your father. You all have my sympathy.
Doug and Sharon Snipes - Dec 18, 2022
Our sympathy to the family.
Charlie & Mary Ferguson - Dec 18, 2022
To the Kaple family so sorry for your loss Prayers to all of you
john supon - Dec 18, 2022
I was fortunate to officiate many Buckeye Central Basketball games through the years and can say I enjoyed having Bill as the score keeper. Honest and knowledgeable on the book and a friend off the court!
Delbert & Becky - Dec 18, 2022
May memories of your dad comfort you. Our love goes out to you and your family!
Neal Kaple - Dec 17, 2022
Sorry to here the of Bill . My heart breaks for you Barb . Had a nice conversation with Bill , back in July . Remember riding with him in the lumber truck. Prays to the Kaple family.
Donovan Scott - Dec 17, 2022
My sympathy to the family of Bill Kaple. Looking back, I played played against Bill in high school (Holmes-Liberty), and sat beside him at the scorers table at Wynford games for over 40 years. I will miss him.
Jack & Barb Koschnick - Dec 17, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed our time with Bill at the Colonel Crawford basketball scorers table for many years. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Laura ( Shackelford ) Allen - Dec 17, 2022
Barb and all the family, I am so sorry to hear of my cousin Bill's passing! My deepest sympathy to you all! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Janet Kempf - Dec 17, 2022
I am saddened to hear about your Dad’s passing please accept my heartfelt condolences
Ron and Marlene Burkhalter - Dec 17, 2022
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill! Jenny, Randy, Olivia and Griffin! Our love and prayers are with you.
Gail Salmon - Dec 16, 2022
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers to your family.
Stacey and Jeff Wampler - Dec 16, 2022
Our deepest sympathies. He was such a good man. Sending prayers for all of you. Especially Randy, Jenn, Liv and Griff. Love you guys.
Jim & Jody Shackelford - Dec 16, 2022
God has called Bill home. Our prayer is that God will comfort your family in a very special way.
Stasia Ulmer - Dec 16, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers that the memories that you have help during this difficult time.