TAPS: John Wahinekapu
Posted on Jul 23, 2025 in Taps
John Kanakanui Lee Wahinekapu, 77, of Waimanalo, passed away on July 6, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1947, in Kona, Hawaii, where he grew up alongside his brothers, James and Gerald, and sister Barbara.
A proud graduate of Konawaena High School, Class of 1965, John went on to earn an Associate’s degree in Management from Leeward Community College. He honorably served his country in the Army National Guard, the U.S. Air Force, and the Air National Guard, with a combined military career spanning more than 38 years.
While stationed in Germany, John met and married the love of his life, Renate Schulz. He retired from the Air National Guard with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in 2003, having led his unit through three different fighter aircraft conversions as an Aerospace Propulsion Superintendent. His leadership and expertise helped establish the 154th Maintenance Squadron’s propulsion section as a benchmark for excellence throughout both the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force.
John is survived by his beloved daughters, Denise (John), Dawn (Maea) and Sharon; and his cherished grandchildren, Danielle(Josh), Andrew, Lily, Jovi, and Zion.
Papa John was a loving father, a devoted husband, a caring grandfather, a supportive big brother, and a true friend to all. He will be truly missed, but never forgotten. John’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services will be held at Valley of the Temples Trousdale Chapel on Sunday, July 27th, 2025.
Visitation: 9:30am-10:30am
Service: 10:30am-11:30am
Reception: 11am -12:45pm
Burial: Burial to follow at Valley of the Temples at 1pm
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