Virginia Z. Kapp

Virginia Mary Zerbe “Dinnie” Kapp, age 95, of Clarion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her more than words can say. She was born on April 9, 1931, in Lucinda, to the late Homer and Amanda Pfendler Zerbe. On August 25, 1951, she married the love of her life, Charles Cyrus “Chuck” Kapp. They shared 65 years of marriage before Charles passed away on April 3, 2017. Their life together was filled with deep love and a devotion to their family that never wavered. Virginia and Chuck spent most of their lives in Kossuth, where they raised their three sons: David (Debbie) Kapp of Gibsonia; Steven (Carol) Kapp of Calabash, North Carolina; and Philip Kapp of Clarion. Life was adventurous for Virginia; raising three boys who loved flying planes, riding dirt bikes, and keeping her on her toes daily. Later in life, Virginia and Chuck moved to Clarion, where they treasured living next door to their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Virginia worked in advertising for The Derrick, where she was able to use her creativity and artistic talent. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard, William, Donald, Robert, and Dennis Zerbe; her sister, Charlotte; and her daughters-in-law, Kathy Kapp and Brenda Kapp. Virginia is survived by her sister, Bernice; her three sons; her grandchildren, Lanny (Michelle) Kapp, Charles (Meghan) Kapp, Jessica (Tyler) Cheek, Erin Kapp, Dana Kapp, Nathan Kapp, Brianne (Joel) Roth, and Brittany (Travis) McBride; and her great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Joshua, and Lauren Kapp; Makela and Luci Kapp; Charlie and Maeve Kapp; Jace, Paige, and Eli Roth; and Mila, Bryce, and Khloey McBride. To her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many of their friends, she was simply “Dinnie.” Being loved by Dinnie was one of the greatest gifts her family could have known. She had a way of making every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel seen and deeply cherished. No one ever had to wonder how she felt about them. She showed it in the way she listened, the way she cared, and the way she was always there. There was nowhere she would rather be than surrounded by her family. Dinnie rarely missed a sporting event, school activity, or important milestone. She was always cheering from the sidelines and reminding each of them how proud she was of them. Her love was steady and constant, and it became the foundation of so many lives. Dinnie was a gifted artist and operated a painting studio from her home for many years. She taught countless students and shared her love of painting with generations of her family. She also taught her grandchildren how to sew, cook, bake, and garden. More than anything, she taught them through her example how to be patient, how to care for others, and how to find joy in ordinary days. Her grandchildren will always treasure the many sleepovers at Dinnie and Papa’s house. They remember homemade meals and desserts, games of Sorry and Dominoes, evenings on the porch swing, and trips for ice cream. At bedtime, Dinnie would rub their backs and say prayers with them. Those moments were simple at the time, but they became some of the most precious memories of their lives. Dinnie was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Clarion. Her faith was part of everything she did and was reflected in the way she loved people. In her final days, she spoke often of being ready to go “home” and found peace in the promise of eternal life. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dinnie’s dear friend, Mickie Baughman. Mickie’s friendship, care, and faithful presence were a true blessing to Dinnie during her later years. Her kindness brought comfort not only to Dinnie but to the entire family. Dinnie will be deeply missed in ways that are difficult to put into words. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with Chuck and is home with her Savior. To have been her child, grandchild, or great-grandchild was to know a kind of love that will never be forgotten. Her family will carry that love with them for the rest of their lives. The Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion has the distinct honor of serving the family, and cremation care has been entrusted to the RV Burns Crematorium, Inc. There will be no public visitation, and private inurnment with her immediate family will take place at the Clarion Cemetery.

Virginia Z. Kapp

April 9, 1931 - July 9, 2026