Michael S. Kapszukiewicz Obituary (1946 - 2015)

Michael Steven Kapszukiewicz, 69, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, educator and friend left this earth on November 23, 2015 following a brief battle with cancer. Mike was born on May 25, 1946 to the late Steven and Anna (Zaborowski) Kapszukiewicz in Gilman, WI. The “Polish Prince” was proud of his heritage and loved to challenge anyone to spell his 13 letter last name. It was all part of Mike’s big personality; his quick witted nature, “smart remarks” and playing pranks on those close to him. Mike graduated from Gilman High School in 1964 and then received his Undergraduate Degree in Special Education from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He later went on to earn his Master’s Degree from University of Wisconsin - Stout in Professional Development. “Mr. K.” taught and coached in the Menomonie Area School District his entire career. Teaching was one of his passions in life and he could often be found grading and planning late into the evening at his dining room table. Mike married the love of his life, Nancy (Ostenson) on May 21, 1976. Together they raised two children, Katie and Scott. Mike was a proud father and an even prouder grandpa to Teigan and Ethan. Mike had many hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours at his “secret” fishing holes and chasing that elusive trophy buck throughout Western Wisconsin. He looked forward to the annual elk hunting trip “out west” as an opportunity to hunt and come home to tell a tale or two. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or give recommendations from the latest Consumer Reports. He especially loved researching vehicles and would travel many miles to ensure his loved ones got a “great deal” on a reliable car. He was very active and could be spotted around town daily running errands and doing good deeds in his beloved Nissan truck. Mike was a gifted craftsman and shared that gift with others in a multitude of ways. He was recently recognized by the Menomonie Area School Board for his volunteer work with area 3rd grade classrooms. For the past 14 years Mr. K. traveled throughout Dunn County providing materials and hands on learning opportunities to hundreds of students. How lucky those kids were to learn about simple machines with Mike. He led them through the design process, prompting them with questions and peaking their curiosity, then spent hours cutting out the student designed cars so they were able to “purchase” the wheels and axles from him the next week with a blank check using life skills. Then there was the race… Mike would put together his hand-crafted, double laned race track and let them go, again, questioning why a certain car was winning… or losing? Those are the things that children remember; that matter. Mike envisioned, created and shared. His home and the homes of his friends and family are adorned with intricate shelves, clocks, and many other unique wood furnishings he designed and crafted. He also enjoyed capturing nature and special moments with his camera, a hobby he picked up after retirement. Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Katie (Albert) Corder and Scott; grandchildren, Teigan and Ethan Corder; siblings Kathleen Pember, Joyce Kapszukiewicz, David (Mary) Kapszukiewicz and Jean (Richard) Detert; sister-in-law Mary (Richard) Carlson; brother-in-law Roy (Jing) Ostenson,Jr.; his faithful pets; Sienna, Moloa’a, Indy, Fannie and Lexi. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Susan. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. There will be a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Mike would wish that memorial donations be sent to the Dunn County Humane Society, a place that was near and dear to his heart A special thank you goes out to Dr. Jim Walker, Dr. Sandeep Basu and the staff at The Neighbors for their care and compassion. “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” - Kalu Kalu