Michael Caponigro

Michael Caponigro (Mike, Mouse, Hammer), 59, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin passed away on July 23, 2017.

Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 19, 1958 to Louis and Marcella (Smith) Caponigro. He attended Lincoln High School in Alma Center, Wisconsin. After school, Michael enlisted into the United States Army in the division of Field Artillery. He served his country from 1977-1980, when he was honorably discharged.

Michael married Beth Schankey from Merrillan, Wisconsin on October 27, 1979. Michael then remarried to Rene Rybicki in 2001.

Michael worked for Dadco Foods in Black River Falls for many years. He started out driving semi’s delivering product then moved into a management role. Eventually, Michael moved to Eau Claire, WI to continue working as a manager for Dadco. After Dadco closed in 2000, he worked as a City Employee in the streets department until moving to the waste water treatment plant where he worked as an operator. Michael worked for the City of Eau Claire for 17 years. Besides having a strong work ethic, he enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to hunt, go fishing with his brothers and loved ones, cruise the lake on his bass boat, camp with his family, and icefish with his son. Some days Michael would just get on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and spend the day traveling around Wisconsin. After the passing of his brother, Michael found enjoyment in restoring his brother’s 69 Firebird convertible. He enjoyed taking the firebird to parades around the area and spent his summers attending numerous car shows where he brought home many trophies and ribbons. All of these shows were to honor the memory of his brother Harold. Michael also was an avid bowler. He joined a team with his wonderful roommate and forever friend Tom Billing. When Michael wasn’t busy outdoors or bowling, he spent time with his family and grandchildren. There were numerous trips to hotels for birthdays and swimming with the grandchildren. Michael was a generous man that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He leant a hand to anyone in need no matter the cost. Michael was a frequent visitor at the Altoona Family restaurant where he would be seen having a cup of coffee with the locals or visiting with his friends, who over the years have become part of his family. He is very loved by family and friends who will greatly miss him!

Michael is survived by former spouses: Beth Amborn and Rene Vance; daughters: Renata Caponigro and Breanne Caponigro; step-sons: Rob (Dana) Rybicki and Jeff (Lindsey) Rybicki; sisters: Carol (Danny) Bedea, Barbara and Bernadine Caponigro, brothers: Tom (Linda) Caponigro and William Caponigro; grandchildren: Olivia Caponigro, Alexander Olson, Ethan Olson, Madeline Olson, Gwendelynn Olson, Joscelynn Olson, Aaron Dawley, Dreyden Sanders, DraMayne Sanders, DraMontae Sanders, Josie Rybicki; nieces: Crystal (Mark) Caponigro, Marcellinia James, Shelly (Shawn) Walsh, Terri (Brian) Sosnowski, Jay (Lyn), and Aaron; nephews: Christopher Caponigro, Louie and Bobby Caponigro; sister in law Christine Caponigro (Rohr) and many other family, friends and co-workers.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Marcella Caponigro, Sister Mary Caponigro, Brothers Richie, Harold, and Louie Caponigro, son Nathan Caponigro, and special friend Lori.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 4pm on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona, WI 54720. Jody Hagedorn will be officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held from 1-4pm on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel. A private family burial will take place on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.