Richard Canepa

Passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and family members at his side after a long battle with ALS.
Ric lived a full and passionate life and would frequently comment that he was born under a lucky star.  He attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where that lucky star introduced him to his wife, Kathy.  Although opposites in several ways – his goofiness to her seriousness, his boisterousness to her reserve, and their opposing political views - they went on to have a lifetime of love and adventure with several moves in the Midwest, 4 children, grandchildren, family vacations and a multitude of heated political debates.  His laugh was often and contagious, never worrying about being the butt of the joke.  His children grew up in a household full of spirit, where differing opinions were encouraged and expressed often, laughter was frequent and loud, and nothing was more important than family.
Ric is already deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, Kathy; his children and their spouses Melissa and Brian Pfeifer, Christian and Angie Canepa, Katie Canepa and Ryan Cameron, and Aimee and Lino Rago; grandchildren, Madeline and Grace Pfeifer, Astrid Cameron, Giuseppe and Nyah Rago, as well as two on the way, will greatly miss their Grumpy but will grow up with a so many memories and stories, knowing how much he loved each of them. Ric is also survived by his sisters and their families Katherine and Tom Smith and Bonnie and Russ Brannen; as well as his sisters- in-law and their families Eileen Scharenbroch and Sean Killian, Marleen and Billy Jackson, Joleen Kane, Chris and Tim Vetter, Noreen and Tim Eichstaedt.  Ric was fortunate to have several friends who supported him during his illness including lifelong friend Conrad Paulus, his “brother” Eivind Stenersen and artist friend Gene Piersa.
Preceded in death by his beloved nonna Theresa Roventini; parents Ted and Livia Canepa; father in law Al Scharenbroch; brother in law Mike Scharenbroch; and several much-loved pets including dogs Moosilini and Francois.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his care attendants, Laura Ruff and Tara Carlson, to the ALS association of MN/ND/ SD, and to his care team at Hospice of the Twin Cities.
Ric was gratified that so many people reached out to him during his illness, commenting  that  it is “great to hear nice things about you before you die.”  While we will all deeply miss Ric, we ask that you celebrate his life continuously by laughing often and deeply and unconditionally loving your family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS association of MN/ND/ SD, a group who has provided so many resources to our family over the last 3 years or to a pet rescue organization of your choice.

Friday, December 11, 2015 05:00 AM - 07:30 AM

Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel 15800 37th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446

Saturday, December 12, 2015 10:30 AM

The Church of St. Joseph of Medicine Lake 13015 Rockford Road Plymouth, MN 55441