LeRoy H. Kapelka

LeRoy Herman Kapelka, 96, long-time resident of Montreal, Wis., passed away Oct. 25, 2017, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King with his family at his side.

LeRoy was the first born of 4 children to Herman and Ruth (Fitzsimmons) Kapelka, in Sauk City, Wis. At the age of 7, Leroy's family moved to Baraboo, Wis., where he grew up. He joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the late 1930's.

On Oct. 15, 1940, he was inducted into the Army Company H, 128th Infantry, 32nd Red Arrow Division and sent to Australia in April 1942, New Guinea and the South Pacific Islands in Sept. 1942-June 1943. He was transferred to Europe in Dec. 1944 with Company D, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry, 80th Division, went from Luxembourg to Germany, and had frozen feet in a battle in 1945. He was returned to a stateside hospital in San Antonio, Texas, then released from the Army as a decorated soldier on Aug. 14, 1945, and returned to his hometown of Baraboo.

On Sept. 29, 1945, he married the love of his life, his "fraulein", Mary Sebero. They were married 70 years before her passing in Feb., 2016. Together, they raised five children, the late Leon (Mary) Sebero of North Carolina, Lewis (late Audrey) Kapelka, of Ironwood, Linda (Thomas) Clendenning, of Plainfield, Wis., Lana (Donald) Sherman, of Nekoosa, Wis. and Loren (Bonnie) Kapelka, of Custer, Wis.

LeRoy is survived by two brothers, Lester (Janie) Kapelka, Columbus, Ga., Lloyd (Betty) Kapelka, Chicago, and one sister, Laveta (Sis) (Kenneth) Vertein of Baraboo; 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

LeRoy was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who will be fondly remembered for his humor, witty quips and quotes, card tricks with the grandkids, and card games with the family.

A private family memorial was held Saturday, Oct. 28, at Maple Crest Funeral Home in Waupaca, Wis., prior to his cremation. Interment will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wis.

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