Mary E. Capener

Mary Ellen Capener (née Luther), age 84, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after a beautiful day surrounded by her family and sweet dog Lovey.

Mary was born on September 23, 1941 in Plain, Wisconsin to Herman and Louisa Luther (née Laubmeier) and later moved with her family to establish their farm in Baraboo, Wisconsin.   One of fourteen children, there was never a dull moment in the Luther household. Mary and her siblings loved to share the stories of their childhood with their children and eventually grandchildren, who found endless entertainment in hearing the stories told around the campfire at the annual Luther Campout held at the family farm for many years.

Mary graduated from Baraboo High School in 1959 and shortly after, began her secretarial career, first at St. Clare’s Hospital in Baraboo and then later UW Hospital.   She eventually became a secretarial supervisor for the UW School of Pharmacy, where she worked until her retirement in 2004.

In 1964, fate intervened and Mary was introduced by her sister-in-law to Norm Capener, who would become the love of her life, the father of her children, and her life-long soul mate.  After a short courtship, the couple married on June 19, 1965, and would go on to enjoy 60 beautiful years together.

Mary and Norm treasured family time with their two daughters Deb and Steph and later their grandchildren. Many special memories were made on camping trips to Governor Dodge State Park, Rice Lake, Castle Rock, pontoon boat rides on Lake Waubesa, and a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina to celebrate Mary and Norm’s 50^th anniversary.   Mary and Norm also took some extended solo trips, some of their favorite places being Sanibel Island, Florida and Massanutten, Virginia.

Mary was a talented and avid crafter and enjoyed everything from knitting, sewing and macrame, to floral arranging and basket making.  She sewed beautiful clothing for her daughters and grandkids that will be forever treasured.

Another hobby Mary was passionate about was gardening.  She had a supremely green thumb and an eye for landscape design that was reflected in her beautiful, flower-filled backyard, complete with a bridge and arbor made for her by Norm.  She delighted in sharing beautiful, hand-picked bouquets from those gardens to brighten someone’s day.

Mary remained very active throughout most of her life, owing much to her lifetime love of sports. Throughout the years, you could find her playing tennis with Norm, riding the local bike trails, pitching horseshoe with her local league, playing softball, volleyball, and taking up bowling in her later years.

Mary lived a full and beautiful life and although our hearts are breaking at her passing, her spirit, resilience, passion for life, and unwavering love for her family will be imprinted on our hearts forever.

Mary is survived by her husband of 60 years, Norm Capener; their children, Debra Capener (John Wicklund) and grandchildren Addison and Spencer (Annika); Stephanie (Stanley) Breunig and grandchildren Joe (Araina), Max, Sam, and Ben; sister, Caroline Schonasky; sister-in-law, Shari Luther; sister-in-law Joann Luther; and her constant furry companion, her dog Lovey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Louisa; siblings, Herman (Brydine) Lorraine (Les) Ebsen; Rudy (Carol) Luther; Alice (Don) Price; Louise (Peter) Uselman; Millie (Wendall) Higgins; Berniece (Harold) Benson; Fred (Judie) Luther; Geri (Owen) Hinrichs; Robert Luther; Clayton Luther; and Ralph Luther.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo with Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze presiding. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Inurnment will be held later that day at Butterfield Cemetery in Excelsior Township. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to organizations near and dear to her heart: Sjogren’s Foundation (sjogrens.org); Columbia County Humane Society (cchswi.org); Democratic Party of Wisconsin (wisdems.org).

Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.