ROCHELLE — Donald Elmer Cappel, 92, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois. Don was born on June 4, 1933, a lifelong farmer and the son of Elmer F. and Irma M. (Strassenburg) Cappel Winker in Harvey, IL. He proudly served with the United States Army. On March 16, 1957, he married Frances Louise Hoyt in Mokena, IL.
Don was 60+ years as IL Farm Bureau, Director and voting member for Ogle county, 25+ years in Rochelle Little League, Home & Community Education Ogle County Family of the year Award 1998, 58 year member of Reynolds United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities.
Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances of Rochelle; four children: Jeff (Annette) Cappel of Rochelle, Dale (Anita) Cappel of Sycamore, IL, Donna Curie of Deer Park, IL and Jim (Carrie) Cappel of Rochelle; sister, Joann Schellhase of Webster, FL; sisters-in-law, Joan Winker of Frankfort, IL, Mary Faulk of Crystal Lake, IL, Teri Hoyt of Ottawa, IL, Sally Hoyt of New Lenox, IL and Ruthie Andrews of Sun City, FL; brothers-in-law: Bill (Betty) Hoyt of New Lenox, IL, Dick Hoyt of Rochelle, IL, Bobby Hoyt of Naples, FL and Wayne Hoyt of Redondo Beach, CA; 11 grandchildren: Colleen (Paul) Bastian, Adam (Erin) Cappel, Kelli (Christopher) Nelson, Matthew (Amanda) Cappel, Nicole Curie, Amanda (Nick) Bolstridge, David (Anna) Curie, Lauren Curie Danielson, Jon (Bria) Cappel, Amy (Brandon) Forrester and Michael Cappel; 15 great grandchildren: Hanna and Brody Bastian, Annandale and Arnis Nelson, Briggs Forrester, Viviana, Kyra and Tia Curie, Grayson, Nora, Josie, Carter, Emma, Cameron and Callen Cappel; and over 150 nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his two brothers: Peter H. Winker and Jimmy Winker; brothers-in-law: Rich Schellhase, Wallace Faulk, Harold Hoyt, and Fred Andrews; and sisters-in-law: Martha Hoyt and Barb Hoyt.
The visitation will be from 8:30 - 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 16, 2025 at Reynolds United Methodist Church, 2496 Reynolds Road, Ashton. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 16 at the church with Pastor Jan Shaulis officiating. Burial is at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorials may be made in Don’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
