Lawrence Anton Capra 1928 – 2023
Lawrence Anton Capra 94, passed away at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT on April 20th 2023.
He was born August 10th 1928 in the family home at Boyes MT. He was first child born to John Baptist (Jack) Capra and Lydia Rose (Chiesa) Capra. His aunt Mary Julio and Grandmother Angelina Capra acted a midwives, as the doctor from Broadus was a little late arriving. His grandfather Antonio, uncle Louis Julio and his father Jack were working in the field binding oats at the time. When they came in for dinner, Grandpa insisted on seeing the new grandson. He wanted to confirm that it was a boy before he opened a bottle of grapa to celebrate.
Lawrence was the oldest of three children, Angelina (Angie) and Louis John (JR) came along later. He attended his first 8 years of school at the Boyes School House that was located 2 miles north of the present day Boyes post office, then on to Powder River County High School in Broadus, graduating in 1946.
When he was in 7th and 8th grade he worked summers herding sheep for Joe Landa. When he was in high school he worked for Otis Nisley lambing sheep. He became good friends with Dan Nisley, Ross Denson, Dan Denson and Bob McCurdy. And told many stories of their escapades. After he graduated from high school he spent a summer helping survey the proposed Moorehead dam. Later he purchased an 8 foot Case combine and pulled it with a John Deere B tractor. When he wasn’t working on the family ranch, he and Bob McCurdy harvested grain in the summer time around the Boyes community.
In the spring of 1952 he met Miriam Scoles at a dance in Hammond. She was staying at Boyes with a friend and fellow nurse, Linda Trucano. A relationship blossomed out of this meeting and they were married on October 18th 1952. After a honeymoon in California, they made their home at the Capra Ranch at Boyes where they remained for the next 68 years.
Lawrence and Miriam raised 5 children, Michael John, Louise Marie, Rose Ann, Laurie Leona and Anthony Louis.
Lawrence started his sheep business with the help of Otis Nisley who sold him a few head of ewes. In the early 60’s he and R.O. Burch purchased a new breed of sheep from the Targhee Idaho sheep experiment station. Lawrence, Miriam and kids raised some of the finest Targhee sheep in Montana.
Lawrence was very active in local organizations. He was a charter member of the East Fork Roping Club, a charter member and Secretary for the Cochran Grazing Association 50 years, charter member of the Center of the Nation Wool Pool, Chairman of the Montana Ram Sale for 29 years. Charter member and first President of the Montana 4-H Council. Past President of Montana Wool Growers. Member and past President of the National Targhee Sheep Association. He was Chairman of the board for Powder River County School District as well as a Montana Livestock brand inspector for over 50 years.
Lawrence and Miriam dedicated themselves to the unconditional loving care of Anthony for the first 16 years of his life until he moved to the Black Hills Workshop in Rapid City, SD. They were especially proud of the artwork that Anthony did at the Workshop. They were able to travel around South Dakota for some of his art shows. After Miriam passed both Lawrence and Anthony moved to the PR Manor, Lawrence’s purpose in life was to check on him every day to make sure he was doing well.
Lawrence and Miriam in their younger years loved to visit neighbors, play cards, square dance, and annually attend the MT Ram Sale and MT Wool Grower’s Conventions. Farming and ranching was his passion throughout his life. Up until the day he passed, he asked how the sheep and cows were doing.
Lawrence is survived by his children: Mike (Connie) Capra of Boyes, MT, Louise (Wayne) Talcott of Broadus, MT, Rose Ann (Pat) Olson of Saco, MT, Laurie (Jay) Hostetter of Gillette, WY and Anthony Capra of Broadus, grandchildren & great grandchildren: John (Megan), Louis and Logan Capra; Lacy (Dan), Gracee and Karter Buckley; Lanesa (Mike Godbout), Denae and Tevin Statzer; Leslie, Angelina (Michael Hanley), Holden and Francheska Bannan, Latrisha (BJ) Playle, Leighton (Kaylin) and Ashley Bilbrey; Zebulun Olson, Leah (Brock) and Braxton Strouf; Jaymie (Tom) and Trayley Lambert, Jaycee, Taylen, Crystal (Chance), Case, and Callie Huntrods, Trevor (Joanna), Cameron and Logan Hostetter, his sister Angie Bisgaard of Belle Fourche, SD, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Miriam, brother Louis “Junior” Capra. Grandson-in-laws: Boyd Bannan and Judd Bilbrey.
Grandpa will be carried to his final resting place by his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 1:00, in the Boyes Community Club Hall and Interment will follow in the Boyes Cemetery, Luncheon to follow.
Memorials may be given to the Lawrence and Miriam Capra 4-H Endowment Fund, The Montana 4-H Foundation at 111 Taylor Hall/PO Box 173580 Bozeman, MT 59717, Boyes Community Club, Powder River Manor, in Broadus or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday April 28, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT
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Charlee Kuhbacher says
You had a good long life Lawrence! You raised good Rams in the day, and had a one of a kind horse. I am so glad to have been raised beside the Capra family…they would gladly accept help in the lambing barn..or shearing…Wish i would of done it more!! Can already see you square dancing and having a ball in Heaven Lawrence and Miriam! Hugs to your family!! You raised a great one! Tell Lydia and Jack hello too!
Linda Hurley & Dick says
Our thoughts are with your family at this time for their loss. He had a good long life and was fairly healthy,until the golden years caught up with him.
Dale and Brenda Schweigert says
Our sympathies to Capra family. I can remember our Sunday drives to Capra’s when growing up, what a fun trip.
Lynn and Judy Strobel says
Capra Family, Our sympathies to you in the passing of Lawrence. He was always so nice to us especially during our years of attending square dances where the Capras were present. May God bring you comfort.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Prayers for all of Lawrence’s family… what a great 4-h man he was and especially in the sheep industry! Never forget going to Boyes to pick out 2 Targee rams for our little heard! A legend gone…
Marie Morgan says
Our prayers and Sympathies to the Capra families. Marie Morgan and Rich and Karen Morgan
Vicki Arnold says
Condolences to the Capra families..have many happy memories of good times with Lawrence & Miriam back in our sheep days together.
Wonderful, caring folks!
Larry & Vicki Arnold & families
Julie DANDREA says
Capra family, my deepest sympathies to you!
Brian and Julie Dandrea
Randy Tunby says
Condolences to the Capra family. Lawrence was an icon in the sheep industry in Montana and influenced many people throughout the years. We sure miss visiting with Lawrence & Miriam and looked forward to our annual fall visits delivering rams to Boyes.
Randy and Amanda Tunby
Kevin and Lori Donnelly says
I am very sorry to hear of the loss. I was hoping to get backup there and visit with Lawrence and Anthony. But the opportunity never happened. The folks and others will be happy to have Lawrence with them in heaven.
I hope that he gets a chance To say Hi for me.
Best wishes to the Capra’s in their hour of need.
Another part of history gone.
Carolyn E Hays says
Mike and Connie and the rest of the Capra family, my condolences to all of you. Reading Lawrence’s obituary was like a stole down memory lane. I hadn’t heard some of these names since my grandfather, Roger Warford, passed away.
Lawrence lived a long and fruitful life. May you keep his memory alive in your hearts! Cooky
Cam Espy Emmons says
Condolences to all the Capra family. Miriam and Lawerence were very active in 4-H, guiding and helping young people at Boyes. Our families were were close and enjoyed many activities together. It was always “Lawerence and Miriam “ and now they are back together. Prayers for Peace and comfort to all the families.
Pam Rogge says
Connie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and in the days ahead. May many good memories comfort you.
Gail M Ivester says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember the memories and all the good times. He had a long and wonderful life. Cherish the memories 💕
Barbara Erling says
my thoughts and prayers go for you and the family. lawrence was a deeply admired person in the Boyes community. I remember has always with that great smile. My father thought he was also a very wonderful person. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Barbara (Beltz) Erling
Susan Peterson says
Our prayers and sympathy to the Capra family with the loss of your Dad. We always enjoyed our visits with Lawrance when he stopped by the dealership. Truly a kind gentleman. He will be missed by many.
Scott and Susan Peterson and family