Lewis M. “Butch” Stella, 68, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kenosha on August 10, 1946, he was the son of the late Louis and Rosemary (Costanzo) Stella. Butch enlisted in 1966 the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968. On January 9, 1971, he married Janet “Jan” Schutz at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Butch was the owner/operator of Casa Capri for over 60 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church and was active in the Veterans Association. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall Fame of St. Joseph’s High School. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Jan of Kenosha; two children, Louis “Hondo” Stella and Anna (Kevin) Beth, both of Kenosha; three grandchildren, Mitchell, Madelyn and Mollie Beth; a brother, Tony (Judy) Stella of Somers; and a sister, Sandy (Dave) Bastianelli of Kenosha. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. A.J. Capelli and the Aurora Cancer Clinic for the excellent care and compassion that they provided. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22nd, from Proko Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. followed by full military honors. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Butch’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Bobby Leto
January 21, 2015
Jan, Hondo and Anna. Our prayers are with you. He was a great man, teacher and friend. Katrina and Nicole send there prayers.
John and Betty Regner
January 21, 2015
Jan, "Hondo", Anna and family,Betty and I send you our sincere condolences on the passing of "Butch".Our friendship with the Stella Family goes back decades, our kids have all worked for the Stella's at the "Casa" and learned the value of family and hard work.Butch was a great teacher of these values and will be missed. He was a great example for us all and we will miss seeing him and his greeting when we walk in the door.
L Gray
January 21, 2015
My condolences to the family at this very time. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in God's word the Bible at Revelation 21:3,4.
Nancy McClelland
January 20, 2015
Sad to hear about this. Butch was "ALWAYS" kind to me.. I always look for him when I go to Casa...I will miss him...Prayers going up for the family.
Heather & Brian Beth
January 20, 2015
Butch, you were a staple in the lives of your kids, grandchildren and wife! You are truly an inspiration and give a new meaning to the word "fighter". You will be missed by all and your wonderful legacy will live on through your family!
John and JoAnn Principe
January 20, 2015
We are so very sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of our late night chats and the laughter we shared over the many years. His kindness, joyful personality and the love he was always happy to share of his grandchildren, and family was an example to all of us. If we are lucky, some people who will come into our lives, will leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. Butch was one of those people. He will be sadly missed by all of us who were privileged to be able to call him a friend. We will always love and miss him.
Doug Hoff
January 20, 2015
Deepest thoughts and prayers from the Hoff Family. Butch was a great man and I will forever remember the many memories and times I spend with Butch and the Stella Family. I will miss you Butchie!!
Renee Aull
January 20, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss-Butch was a great boss to work for, he always had pride in food he served and the service he provided. When my Mom and I would come in to eat he always made my Mom feel special. It just won't be the same stopping at at Casa without him at the end of the bar. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Frank & Cheryl Parise
January 19, 2015
Thoughts and prayers from the Parise Family.
George Karabetsos
January 19, 2015
I was very saddened to hear of your loss of this wonderful man. I will remember and treasure the Saturday night talks we shared at the end of the bar at the Casa. His passing will be mourned by those of us that loved him so much. I will keep him in my prayers every day.Most sincerely,George Karabetsos
Wilde's
January 19, 2015
We are so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and hearts will be with your family. Butch has always been so kind and generous to us. He will be dearly missed.
Rudy Waluch
January 19, 2015
Jan, Louis, and Anna and extended family: I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Butch from the early years. He was vibrant,full of energy, and he had a style all his own. I can still remember when I used to come along on baby sitting trips to your home with my sister Mary to play with Anna and as we called you Hondo back then, "Little Louie." It was so cool to know how frequently Jan and Butch made time for each other, and how they worked so very hard to build what remains today one of the premier Italian restaurants in southeastern Wisconsin. Many great times, wonderful memories, and pivitol moments spent at Casa Capri. On behalf of the Michigan Waluch family, (Rudy, Missy, Owen, and Reece) please accept our deepest condolences and know that our prayers are with you as you work through your grief. May God bring you great peace and comfort during this very difficult time.