Condolence From: Jeff Maurer
Condolence: Prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Dennis....he will be fondly remembered. My dad, Bill Maurer, coached Dennis in basketball at St. Bernard’s Grade School. I watched Dennis in practices and games back in the day...he was quite an athlete and was a heady player. Things came full circle when Dennis ended up coaching my son Chris at St. John’s. Chris couldn’t have ended up with a better coach, both on and off the court. Rest In Peace, Dennis.
Friday December 21, 2018
Condolence From: Pat Verbrugge
Condolence: SO sorry to hear this! Mr Kaping was probably the best coach I ever had in all the years I played sports. He would wear a full suit with slicked back hair for every game. Even though it was JR High basketball made us feel like we were playing in the pros. So many memories playing basketball for him...Not only was he a great coach with X’s And O’s, but he taught us all how to be better people and gave us confidence that carried over from the court to real life. I can confirm Mr Benneks story of the late game pizza order as well! Unbelievable guy! He’ll be missed, but I’ll never forget how much fun I had the years I was lucky enough to play for him. RIP Coach!
Friday December 21, 2018
Condolence From: Chuck Zech
Condolence: Denny was just a great guy. Great sense of humor, always fun to be with. He was kind and caring. Denny was a good athlete (unhittable pitcher, point guard) who was a great teammate. We lost him all too soon. My sincere condolences to his family.
Thursday December 20, 2018
Condolence From: Michael Martinek
Condolence: A legendary man, a legendary coach, and a legendary team (The Rookies). He will be greatly missed.
Thursday December 20, 2018
Condolence From: Ken Florian
Condolence: I find it hard to believe that my BEST friend and buddy is gone . Who will I call during Viking games to question calls?? In the 60 some years we were friends we had MANY great times and "adventures "I will miss him more than words can express. Rest easy my best buddy !!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Condolence From: Jerry Bennek
Condolence: My Kids when questioning whatever sporting agenda was on tap and the results would always say " what does Denny say about this ?" The Kaping coaching lore will live on in the spirits of kids he coached. One of the best ever was Dennis and his sidekick Kevin Keenan were involved in a close game at Cretin Derham Hall. There was a questionable call and timeout was called . The troops were gathered around Dennis and Kevin and the game proceeded on..Kevin goes to his coat pocket and pulls out a big analog cell phone and starts making a phone call. This goes on for about a two minutes and the players parents are enthralled with who Dennis and Kevin are calling to get a ruling on what just happened in the game. The game is close and we win..The Question was asked? Who were you calling?answer Grandpa Tony's to order a pizza. A classic !! Dennis Kaping was a true friend and the stories he told were classic Rice Street. From Guam to Blaine .....Every coffee shop in White Bear Lake will seem more empty now.. He will be missed....
Sunday December 16, 2018
Condolence From: Frank Bezdicek
Condolence: I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Dennis Kaping.
I will miss our morning coffee sessions at Caribou and listening to his unique coffee brewing technique while at the military base at Guam along with other stories of his life. I will miss our daily political discussions and reviewing the latest results from his Fantasy Football gang. I will be lost without him.
Rest in peace, Ollie.
Sunday December 16, 2018