Encyclopedia Dubuque
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KAPLER, Joseph E., Sr.
KAPLER, Joseph E., Sr. (Cresco, IA, Mar. 13, 1924--Dubuque, IA, Apr. 18, 2018) The son of Albert and Mary (Drilling) Kapler, Joseph worked on the family farm and became a skilled farmer. Upon on his 18th birthday, the U.S. Selective Service assigned him to work for two years on another farm in order to maintain wartime food production.
He attended LORAS COLLEGE and received a Bachelor of Science degree (1948). He later obtained a Master of Science from Marquette University (1953) and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin (1958).
Joseph returned to Loras to rejoin the faculty. He married Helen Bamrick of Rockwell, Iowa in 1959 and raised their family at their home in Asbury, Iowa.
Joseph retired in 1989 after 37 years of teaching in the Loras College biology department. During his tenure, Dr. Kapler was involved in many professional organizations and committees focusing on the areas of phenology (the study of plant and animal life cycles) and entomology (the study of insects). He participated in the national research effort to stop the progression of DUTCH ELM DISEASE in the 1960s and worked for years trying to save the elms along Rhomberg Avenue. He received the Loras College Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2005 and was a Professor Emeritus.
Besides teaching, Dr. Kapler was highly involved with multiple wildlife and conservation organizations, including the Dubuque County Conservation Society. In 1976 he was named Dubuque County Conservationist-of-the-Year. He was an active member of CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION and served a term on the Parish Council and a term on the Asbury Planning and Zoning Commission.
In 1967 Joseph and Helen purchased woodland in Jones County which became over the years a living laboratory for tree and habitat restoration, home to large family gardens, and a recreational get-away appreciated and enjoyed by generations of family and friends.
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Source:
Obituaries. Dubuque Today by DUBUQUE ADVERTISER (THE), Online: http://www.dubuquetoday.com/obituaries.cfm