Lee M. Kapitan

Lee M. Kapitan, age 85, died on Monday, September 13, 2010, at University Hospital in Madison, WI.   She was born in Sheboygan on May 14, 1925, the daughter of Edgar and Leona (Karsteadt) Burgdorf. She married Stephen J. Kapitan on December 18, 1948.   Lee graduated with honors in art education from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and attended the University of Wisconsin for graduate studies. She taught art at Beaver Dam High School, after which she and Steve owned and operated Dodge County Telephone, Inc. and were members of the Telephone Pioneers Association. Lee was the comptroller of S. J. Kapitan, Inc., a consultant engineering business until the early 1990s. She lived in Columbus, WI, for 21 years where she was a hard working volunteer with the Columbus Hospital Auxiliary and developed many friendships through her love of bridge. She was known for her design skills and pursued a life long interest in the arts. Lee moved to rural Sauk City after designing and personally laying the brick for the family home. Upon retirement, Lee and Steve moved to Tucson, AZ to enjoy the beautiful western scenery and to play golf. She enjoyed many adventures with Steve including skiing, hiking in the Swiss Alps, horticulture, beekeeping, and ballroom dancing (they were the best jitterbug couple of their generation). Painting, pottery, and her greenhouse were also wonderful pastimes. Lee and Steve moved back to Wisconsin three years ago to be near their five children. They recently celebrated their 61st year of marriage. Lee is survived by her loving husband, Steve; a sister, Beatrice (Francis) Ploetz of Sheboygan; many nieces and nephews; two sons, Dale (Kay Hathaway), Kent (Susan Worley); three daughters, Lynn (Eddee Daniel) Kapitan, Cheryl (Scott) Carroll, Sandra Lonneman; nine grandchildren, Kari, Alex, Chelsea, Melissa, Daniel, Shaun, Jay, Thomas, and Jessilyn; and one great grandchild, Kayla. In lieu of a visitation, Lee's family will be holding a private celebration of her life.