M. Irene (Riddle) Kappen

M. Irene Kappen, age 75, of Houghton Lake, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at home with her loving family by her side.

Irene was born on November 14, 1950, in Asheville, North Carolina, to John and Kathleen (Huskins) Riddle. She was married on April 27, 1968, in Taylor, Michigan, to Joseph H. Kappen. The couple moved to the Houghton Lake area in 1994. Irene was the former owner and operator of Kappy's Bait & Tackle and Cherokee Trading Post. She loved to work on crafts. Irene was a four-time cancer survivor.  

Irene is survived by her children, Tammy (Frank) Head of Westland, Shelly (David) Degroat of Colorado, and son, Joseph (Denise) Kappen Jr. of Houghton Lake, six grandchildren, Reese Degroat, Eric Kappen, Amanda Smith, R.J. Smith, Alexis Kappen, and Joey Kappen, four great grandchildren, Hart Kappen, Paislee Kappen, Lilith Smith, and Juliet Mae Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph, and daughter, Nikki Smith.

The family will greet friends at Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10 am until the time of the service. The service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11 am. Rev. Bryan Thompson will be officiating. Interment will be in Denton Township Cemetery, Prudenville. Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel, is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of M. Irene (Riddle) Kappen, please visit our floral store.