York, SC – Beloved father and grandfather, Gary E. Kapke, 86, of York, SC, passed away peacefully February 14, 2024 at Atrium Health, Pineville, NC.
Born in 1938 to Eugene and Irene (née Jarze) Kapke in Chicago, IL.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1956 where he worked as an Aviation Electronics Tech, which helped hone his natural talent to understand machines and electronics. He graduated from Loyola University, Chicago, in 1966 where he studied business and marketing. He combined marketing with his tech knowledge to work in sales, first for Chicago area’s MacLean-Fogg, and later in the Carolinas for his own Trans Tech Corp as a manufacturer’s representative specializing in fasteners and fabricated metal components with clients like Black & Decker. He could speak the lingo of engineers and understand how parts came together to make a quality working product.
He had a unique gift to be able to talk to strangers as if they were lifelong friends and make them feel appreciated. And he really did appreciate them as well as all his friends.
He enjoyed an active sports life. His favorites were golf, fishing, and bowling. His golf interests went beyond simply playing the game and playing it well, to crafting his own custom golf clubs for himself and others. He participated in several bowling leagues, most recently embracing the lanes and comradery at Strikers in Rock Hill.
He was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church where he forged lifelong friendships and a relationship with Christ.
Gary put his fabricating skills to work making his own backyard-style smoker. He especially loved treating family and friends to delicious homecooked meals. He made some of the very best barbeque anywhere, and you knew you were special if he brought you some.
Along with bowling, barbequing, and occasional church activities, Gary spent his twilight years enjoying lake views and getting together with dear friends and family.
He was with his daughter Deb and close friends Mel and Linda Wines when he passed.
Gary is survived by his former wife Sandra (Carter) Gowl and their daughter Debora (David Johnson) Kapke and granddaughter Sara Johnson as well as cousins Sheryl and Larry.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 7 at 1:00 PM at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC.