Hubert Kappius, age 72, died at home in Oscoda with his wife at his side on Aug. 12, 2009, after a courageous four-year battle with melanoma. He was born on Jan. 12, 1937, in Witten, Germany. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cathy of Oscoda; three sons, Martin (Bea), Stefan (Iris) and Christian, all residing in Germany; and in-laws, Don and Cynthia Irwin of Greenbush. Hubert enjoyed a long career as sales manager for Castrol Motor Oil in Bavaria. After retiring in 1996, the couple moved from Munich, Germany, to Oscoda, where Hubert was able to fulfill his dream of building a home on a lake in the area he had grown so fond of during many visits. Not yet ready to really retire, Hubert worked for 10 years as a school bus driver for Oscoda Area Schools. He loved the job and, up until his final weeks, still talked about how much he missed the kids and the team at the bus garage. Hubert has traveled much of the world and especially enjoyed driving trips through the U.S. He also loved to hike nature trails, cook, read, listen to classical music and sip good wine. What people remember most about him, aside from his interesting accent and European charm, is his deep, hearty laugh that could fill a room. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. To honor Hubert, the family is holding a reception at Wiltse's Brew Pub on Friday, Sept. 11, 4-6 p.m. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, all who knew him are invited to stop by.