Jay A. Capelle

Jay Albert Capelle, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, left this world on August 1, 2026, at the age of 78, after a brief and courageous battle with leukemia. A lifelong resident of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Jay touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his kindness, his steady hand, and his generous heart.

Born in Fond du Lac on May 18, 1948, Jay graduated from Goodrich High School in 1968 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Europe during the Vietnam War. He returned home to attend Moraine Park Technical College, where he met the love of his life, Ramona Spears. They were married on May 19, 1973, at Emanuel Trinity Lutheran Church and built their life together in Fond du Lac, raising three children: Matthew, Gina, and Annie.

Jay worked for many years as a maintenance mechanic at Mercury Marine, and in 1992 he founded JC Video Productions, filming weddings and events for some twenty years. A lover of his hometown, he also wrote and produced a documentary on the history of Fond du Lac. He gave generously of his time as a volunteer, including at the Galloway House and with the local Republican Party.

Jay worked tirelessly for his family and gave his time freely to his children, coaching youth baseball, cheering on his daughters, and always finding a way to be there. Hardworking and endlessly capable, he could never sit still, and much of the family home bore the mark of his own two hands. To those who loved him, he was simply the best father, grandfather, and friend anyone could ask for.

In November 2020, Jay lost Ramona, his beloved wife of forty-seven years. In 2022, he found love and companionship again with Darlene Wilcox, cherishing the years they shared and the close bond he formed with Darlene and her family.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona; his parents, Wilmer and Jane Capelle; his parents-in-law, Darrell and Audrey Spears; and his brother-in-law, Greg Spears. He is survived by his companion, Darlene Wilcox; his sisters, Nanette Kalk and Suzanne Whitmore; his children, Matthew (Anna) Capelle, Gina (Jeff) Lese, and Annie Capelle; and six grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, Elizabeth, Gracie, Hattie, and Avery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital for their tireless care and dedication.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Committal will take place at Rienzi Cemetery at 1:15 p.m., with a reception to follow at Schmidty’s at 3:30 p.m. 

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com