Joan Victoria (Kappenman) Vela

Joan Victoria Vela, age 57, of Richfield, Minnesota journeyed to the spirit world from her home on Monday, December 20th, 2021. 

Joan was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 26th, 1964, the daughter of Leona (Bedeau) and James Kappeman, Sr.  She had a big heart, kind spirit and was willing to help others any chance she could.  Joan loved to cook and bead and also enjoyed watching movies and T.V.  Her favorite shows were the Sopranos, Nurse Jackie, and Friends.  Joan also liked to watching monkeys on You Tube. 

For many years Joan worked for the City of Minneapolis before taking a job in Human Services with Hennepin County.  She worked there until her health declined, causing her to retire early.  Joan was loved by many people.

Those left behind are her husband; Benito Vela, Jr., son; Bentley Kappenman, Sr., grandchildren; Bentley Jr., Victoria and Akina Kappenman, stepson; Dillon Zefferino Vela, great granddaughter; Aaliyah Johnson, three sisters; Angela Kappenman, Betty Moore and Cindy Tenbear, many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Welcoming Joan to the spirit world are her parents; Leona and James, maternal grandparents; Jacob and Alice Bellanger, paternal grandparents; Fred and Kathleen Kappenman, brother; James Kappenman, Jr., sister; Jacqueline Fairbanks, uncle; Norman Bellanger, other relatives; Emma Vela, Pete Vela, Bessie Pena, Filemeno Pena, George Pena, Frankie Alverez and Mary Ann Alverez and her cats Fussy and Tiny.

An overnight wake for Joan will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29th and continue until her 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, December 30th all to be held at the Onigum Community Center in Onigum, MN.  Father William Butcher will officiate.  Pallbearers for Joan will be Pat Vela, Blaine Vela, John Lom, David Chubbs, David Jourdaine, Sr. and Cameron Sargent.  The alternate pallbearer will be Norman Lawrence.  Her honorary pallbearers are Bentley Kappenman, Sr., Bentley Kappenman, Jr., Victoria Kappenman, Akina Kappenman, Geneva Lawrence, Marlyce Bellanger, Florine Iverson, Rochelle Vela, Mike Pena, Matin Alverez, Maryhellen Alverez, Kathy Pena and Amanda Pena.  Interment will be in the Old Agency Catholic Cemetery at Old Agency, MN following her Thursday services.

Joan’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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