John "Jack" Kaperka, affectionately known as "Poppy," a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 29, 1942, in Troy, New York, John graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY in 1960. He continued his education at Siena College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, and later pursued his passion for the hospitality industry, obtaining his Hotel & Restaurant Management Certifications from Purdue University.

A proud veteran, John served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1967 aboard the USS Stormes during the Vietnam Conflict. His deep love for his country was evident throughout his life. He remained active in veteran and service organizations, including the American Legion Post 280, the U.S. Navy Postal Clerk Association, and the Remington Lions Club. A man of unwavering faith, he was a longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Tucson, Arizona, before recently returning to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

John shared 60 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara Cook Kaperka, whom he married on January 23, 1965, in Troy, New York. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

John's career in restaurant and hotel management spanned nearly four decades. He began in 1967 as Food and Beverage Manager for Carson Pirie Scott at O'Hare Airport. In 1970, he and his family moved to Remington, Indiana, where he became the first General Manager of the Carson Inn, a position he held until 1984. In 1986, they settled in Fort Wayne, where he continued his career as a hotel general manager until his retirement in 2006. Retirement brought John and Barbara to Tucson, Arizona, where they enjoyed a peaceful life, always returning to Fort Wayne each summer to cherish time with family.

John is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his sisters, Patricia Hall of Coxsackie, NY; his children: Matthew (Victoria) Kaperka of Davenport, Iowa, Elizabeth Andrews of Fort Wayne, and Kathleen (Daniel) Lewis of Fort Wayne. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Alexander Cagle and Evan Cagle, both of Fort Wayne; Nicholas (Paige) Kaperka of Des Moines, IA; Luke (Marisa) Andrews of Cordova, TN; Mackenzie Kaperka of Davenport, IA; James (Mackenzie) Lewis of Fort Wayne; Kellie (Andrew) Elwell of Decatur, Indiana; and Tinley and Rylan Lewis, both of Fort Wayne. His legacy continues through his three great-grandchildren with two on the way.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Anthony Kaperka and Elizabeth Rachelle Deeb Kaperka.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., in Huntertown, IN, on Monday, March 10th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Vigil Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. A second visitation will take place at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home, 9 W. North St., Remington, IN, on Tuesday, March 11th, with the praying of the Rosary at 3:30 p.m., followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Dennis Faker on Wednesday, March 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Remington, IN, with Catholic burial and military honors to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Remington, IN.

John Kaperka was a man of integrity, faith, and love, whose warmth and wisdom touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude's Hospital for research. Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.