Centerville, MN - A model husband and father, a proud veteran, a devout Catholic, and a retired nurse, Michael John (Mike) Capistrant, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on March 23, 2026.

Mike grew up in St. Paul, MN, in a large and fun-loving family. He graduated from Frank B. Kellogg High School and went on to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War in DUSTOFF Units as a helicopter medic (MEDEVAC). At the age of 22, he was set up on a blind date and was introduced to the future love of his life, Leona. They went snowmobiling and were married less than six months later.

Mike became a licensed practical nurse and went on to become a registered nurse and earn his BSN from the University of Minnesota (U of MN). In his professional nursing career, he provided care for patients at the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (Denver, CO), Stillwater Prison and went on to focus on orthopedic nursing at Ramsey Hospital (now Regions), the U of MN Medical Center, and retired from the University of MN Physicians (UMP) orthopedic practice. He found it truly fulfilling to care for patients while partnering with nursing colleagues and the orthopedic surgeons. He believed in the professional apprentice model and found joy in teaching rotating students and medical residents the techniques and skills he learned over his career.

As a devoted family man, he loved spending time with his family at Nokay Lake (Brainerd, MN) when the kids were young - fishing, swimming, enjoying time around a campfire, and cooking up a great fish fry. He was an ace at cleaning fish. Mike was always up for a game of cribbage, backgammon, hand & foot, or family poker, and making memories at Lake Elmo Park Reserve or Pine Tree Apple Orchard. He was also active throughout his life. Mike played softball, racquetball and other sports and remained an avid bowler and golfer until the very end. He was a lifetime member of VFW post 1782 in White Bear Lake, MN. Mike loved people and people loved him, his sense of humor, and his warm hug that was accompanied by his firm handshake.

In late 2019, Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was found to have liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions consistent with Agent Orange exposure, a toxin commonly found in Veterans who served in Vietnam. He with the help of his care team at the U of MN fought off cancer's inevitable end for 6.5 cherished years.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Mary Capistrant, and is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Leona; children Rebecca (Tom), Jodi (Dave), Sarah, Dennis (Wendy); grandchildren, Amber, Cass, Ali, Joe, Kai, Demetrius, Isabel, Ari, AJ, Jacob; siblings Gary (Claryce), Willard (Kathy), Tim (Judy), Anita (Dan), Mary (Sheldon), Paula (Terry), and Teresa (Mike); and many dear extended family members and friends.

A funeral mass to celebrate Mike's full and wonderful life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th at Church of St. Genevieve, Parish Community Center (Centerville, MN) with a preceding visitation at 10 a.m., and an interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial monetary donation to Minnesota Veteran's Food Pantry located at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is preferred. Go to: https://mnvp.org/donate/ and list Mike's name in the "dedicate this donation" field.