Barbara Ann `Barb` Kappel

Barbara Ann “Barb” Kappel, age 89, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, WI. She was born on January 11, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Rudolph and Ann (Negoski) Gatz.

Barb attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Chicago and, following graduation, enrolled in the nursing program at St. Anne’s Hospital School of Nursing. One of her most cherished memories from that time was her capping ceremony in the spring of 1958, when she proudly received her nurse’s cap and became a Registered Nurse. In order to continue providing her patients with the best possible care, Barb earned her Master of Science degree in nursing from North Central College, in Wheaton, IL in 1982 all while working full time, and caring for her husband and two children.

On August 30, 1958, Barb was united in marriage to Charles “Chip” Kappel, who preceded her in death on March 22, 2017.

Barb devoted nearly 60 years to her calling as a Registered Nurse. Her first assignment was in the emergency room at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago, where she cared for countless patients with skill and compassion. One tragedy left an especially deep mark on her heart: on December 1, 1958, the Our Lady of the Angels School fire brought critically injured children to St. Anne’s, the closest hospital. The fire claimed the lives of 92 students and three nuns. Barb never forgot the children she cared for that day, and the memory remained with her always.

In 1966, Barb and Chip moved their growing family to Lombard, Illinois. There she worked at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, eventually becoming the head nurse of the cardiac care unit.

In 1993, upon Chip’s retirement, the couple settled into their lakeside dream home in Hayward, Wisconsin. They enjoyed peaceful days on their pontoon boat with their beloved dogs, and Barb continued her nursing career in the emergency department at Hayward Memorial Hospital. She had a lifelong love of dogs and horses, and she enjoyed cross stitching, reading, and exploring her passion for history. She was also a proud member of the Lombard Historical Society.

Following Chip’s passing, Barb moved to Baraboo, where she made her home at Oak Park Place. She truly thrived there surrounded by caring staff, good friends, and a warm and supportive community.

Barb is survived by her loving children, Cheryl (Ronan) Smyth of Green Bay and Bob (Janet) Kappel of Baraboo; her grandchildren Emma (Steven) Shaw, Brendan, Caleb, Lucas, Noah, Grace, Faith, and Sam; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Luke Powers officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary in Barb’s memory at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

FriendsOfBarabooParks.org – Pat Liston Dog Park.