Obituary of Willard James Capistrant

Capistrant, Willard James 

Age 101, of Oakdale, MN , passed away September 7, 2023 at home with family around him. Son of Mose and Lillian (Heroux) Capistrant. Willard was a deeply spiritual and prayerful man. Willard married Mary Stafki in April of 1942 and together they raised 8 children.  They sang in church choirs for many years. He joined the Navy after his son, Gary, was born. He served in World War II in the South Pacific. He was a survivor when his ship, the USS Ommaney Bay, was sunk by a kamikaze pilot in January 1945. Willard was diligent and cheerful in every job he worked at. He treated everyone with respect and care. He and his wife hosted 3 foreign exchange students, plus a Cambodian family with 5 children. They also enjoyed playing cards, fishing, square dancing, traveling, and visiting family and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Mary (Stafki) of 71 years; sisters, Doris Henry, Pearl Schmidt, and Louise Dinehart; brother, Collin Capistrant; and daughter-in-law, Joyce (Brissett). Survived by children, Gary and Claryce (Halvorson), Willard and Kathleen (Protelsch), Michael and Leona (Mandt), Timothy and Judy (Nelson), Anita (Daniel) Rosener, Mary (Sheldon) Schiebe, Paula (Terry) Bolduc, and Theresa (Michael) Hamilton; 44 grandchildren; 117 great-grandchildren; 37 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Stella Dittman and Arlene Capistrant.Visitation from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Sandberg Funeral Home (2593 E. 7th Av., No. St. Paul). Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Church of St. Peter (2600 N. Margaret St., No. St. Paul) with a visitation one hour prior. Interment St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake.