Samuel H. Kaeppel

Samuel H. Kaeppel, 82, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2026, following a fall. Born on October 10, 1943, in Greenfield to Morgan E. and M. Arlene (Allen) Kaeppel, Sam was a devoted family man known for his strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine love of people.

From an early age, Sam displayed remarkable initiative. As a boy he raised chickens, pheasants, and rabbits, taking a newspaper route and selling eggs to customers to help feed his animals. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for coin collecting, as he eagerly examined the change he received along his route. His outgoing personality and natural talent for conversation led him into sales, where he sold life insurance, cars, and real estate before opening Maple Valley in the 1970s to sell RVs and truck caps. In the 1990s he founded Sammy K’s Driving Range. His interest in numismatics became a fulfilling career that allowed him to travel the country buying and selling coins, often bringing his family along to explore new places together.

Above all, family was the center of Sam’s world. He cherished vacations in Maine, where he could enjoy seafood and relax on the beach, and he faithfully attended his children’s and grandchildren’s sports games, dance recitals, and school events. He was actively involved in his church for decades, serving as a Sunday School teacher in his younger years and later as a dedicated Trustee and committee member. Sam remained active and engaged with life until his final day.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda (Rau) Kaeppel; his children, Bruce Cowles, Susan Kaeppel, Deborah Kaeppel, Jennifer (James) Bondy, Sam (Tricia) Kaeppel, and Mary (Ed) Morley; his grandchildren, Allison (Scott Barlow) Kaeppel, Presley Bondy, Declan and Kendall Kaeppel, and EJ and Quin Morley; his great-grandchildren, Alexys King and Noah Barlow; his great-great-grandchild, Mateo Ramos; his brother, Bruce (Peggy) Kaeppel; and his brothers-in-law, Kevin (Lisa) Rau and Frederick Rau, Jr., along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Kaeppel, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Rau.