Sheila M. Kapke

Mrs. Sheila Mae Kapke (née Wahlen), daughter of the late Evelyn and Arthur Wahlen, passed away on the early morning of October 26th, just shy of her 85th birthday. She was born November 12, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she attended the public schools of Milwaukee and was a 1958 graduate of Riverside High School.

She was united in holy matrimony to Kenneth LeRoy Kapke in May of 1962 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. They completed their family on Halloween of 1966 when they adopted their only child, Jeffrey. When their home was finally finished being built, the couple moved to Grafton in 1972 where they remained happily with Jeffrey, Sheila’s parents, and their dachshund, Heidi. In addition to their Grafton home, they also owned a lakefront cabin in St. Germain, WI where they spent many memorable summers together.

Both Sheila and her husband were dedicated members of the church, serving faithfully over the decades. Sheila was a talented member of the church choir, singing countless hymns in her melodic soprano voice. She was also a member of St. John’s Glory Ringers Bell choir, playing especially beautiful songs during holiday seasons. Above all, she was a master needle crafter, you name it, she could knit it. She often gifted her knitted socks, mittens, and hats for Christmas, which were happily received by many family members. Throughout her life she also went on to knit countless hats for newborn children, donating them to local hospitals.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Tara) Kapke of Grafton, WI. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Kylene, Adam and James, along with other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Sheila is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, and her brother, Gerald.

A memorial service will be held for Sheila on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church (1193 Lakefield Rd. Grafton, WI 53024). A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM till service time at the church. Immediately following the service will be a luncheon. A private burial will be held for Sheila at Lakefield Cemetery in Grafton.