Paul M. Capelle

Paul M. Capelle, 87, of Highland, IL, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Highland, IL surrounded by his family.

He was born in Troy, IL in his family home.  His parents are Paul Martin and Ethel (Nee Arth) Capelle Sr.  He was the second oldest of 4 children including Mary Laverne Neman, Mae Meta Hanks and Art Dale (Nancy) Capelle all of which survive.

Mr. Capelle was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus (4 ^th Degree), and, formerly, the United States Navy.  He worked for his aunt and uncle at their farm in the summer when growing up.  He also performed odd jobs to help the family including working in the Troy mine and at Union Electric. While in the Navy he worked in the boiler room of several different ships including the USS Bon Homme Richard CV-31 in WWII and USS Antietam CV-36 in the Korean War.   He was in the underwater demolition team in WWII.  He graduated from the David Ranken, Jr. School of Mechanical Trades Electricity Department in 1949 between the two wars.    He was the owner of Community Lumber Company and Community Builders in Highland from 1950­-1991.  He then worked at various jobs and ended his career at G & S Freight.

Mr. Capelle was married August 12, 1950 to Marjorie Merwin Zimmermann at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.  She survives in Highland.

Paul had a big heart and a strong work ethic.  He never knew a stranger.  If he didn’t know your name, he would call you “little one”.  He loved to go to the modified and dirt track stock car races, especially the Gerstner Racing Team races.  He enjoyed going to his grandkids sporting events.  He looked forward to going to his Navy Ship reunions.  He really enjoyed spending time at the V F W Hall in Highland, IL, and talking with any veteran.  He was privileged to be included in the Honor Flight.  He really enjoyed his daughter Renee’s horse shows.  He helped the family raise Morgan Horses.

He is also survived by 8 children including David Paul (Carol) Capelle, Michael Cletus (Bonnie) Capelle, son-in-law, Gary Gerstner, Mark John (Kim) Capelle, Renee Louise (John) Biggins, Paul Ray (Denise) Capelle, Bruce Alan (Michele) Capelle, and Steven Marc (Willetta) Capelle.  They were blessed with 31 grandchildren including Christopher (Shelley) Capelle, Jonathan (Lauren) Capelle, Lauren (Marc) D’Auteull, Sara (Joseph) Haynes, Julie (Matthew) Plocher, Caitlin (Trent) Schauster, Brian (Sara) Gerstner, Brent (Amanda) Gerstner, Bradly (Alicia) Gerstner, Michael Mark (Megan) Capelle, Marie (Daniel) Beck, John Capelle, Matthew Capelle, Claire Capelle, Katherine Capelle, James Capelle, Mark Daniel Capelle, Caroline Capelle, Luke Capelle, Ashley Biggins, Megan Zurliene, Kelsey Zurliene, Morgan Capelle, Emily Capelle, Evan Capelle, Andrew Capelle, Benjamin Capelle, Anna Capelle, Joel Capelle and Sasha Capelle.  10 Great Grand Children include Scarlett Capelle, Lilah Capelle, Reid Haynes, Samuel Plocher, Colin Plocher, Landon Schauster, Charlie Gerstner, Gabriel Capelle, Abigail Capelle, and Noah Capelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ethel Capelle; 1 daughter, Jeanne Marie Gerstner (11/26/2006); 1 grandson, Nicholas Capelle (2/26/1982); brothers-in-law, George Neman, Charlie Hanks.

Memorials may be made to Masses by Schoenstatt Fathers, St. Joseph’s Hospital or Highland VFW.

Visitation: Sunday, January 12, 2014, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Monday, January 13, 2014, from 8:00 to 9:30 am at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 13, 2014 at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Fr. Scott Snider, Parochial Vicar

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.