Photo courtesy of MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe
Bad Axe, Michigan
Jul 28, 1934 – Nov 13, 2022
Peter Burns Capling, 88 years old of Bad Axe, passed away on November 13, 2022 at his home. Peter was born in Bad Axe on July 28, 1934 to the late Phillip and Lenore (Burns) Capling . After graduating high school, at the age of 17, Pete joined the Navy and spent four years repairing airplanes and playing on the Navy traveling basketball team.
Peter and Sue Bearss were married on December 29, 1962 and were married for 58 years before she passed away in July of 2021.
After he left the Navy, Pete graduated from Michigan State University and obtained his law degree from the Detroit College of Law. Pete settled his family in Birmingham, Michigan and began his law career for the Wayne County Road Commission. After the Detroit riots, he moved his family to Bad Axe. After a twelve year career as Prosecuting Attorney in Huron County, he opened a private practice as a trial attorney, and served ten years as the District Court Magistrate, and also on the case evaluation panels. Pete really enjoyed the many marriage ceremonies he performed and took pride in making the ceremony very special for each couple.
Pete was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church in Bad Axe, dedicated member to Verona Hills Golf Club, 50 year member of Bad Axe Rotarian club, 50 year member of the American Legion Post 0499, and original founding member in 1976 of the Detroit Irish American Lawyers Association.
Many knew Pete for his many miles walking around town with his dog. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage up north in Clear Lake with his family, golfing, cross word puzzles and was an enthusiastic ice fisherman. He was a regular at the annual event of the Irish American lawyers’ brunch in Corktown. Mr. Capling was a fierce advocate for the less fortunate litigants that he represented in court. He was a very highly respected lawyer and friend.
Peter is survived by his children Megan Capling (Dean Deering) of Bad Axe, Peter Capling II of Manchester, Todd Capling (Alyssa) of Bad Axe, Kristen Capling (Naeem Haider) of Williston, Vermont; grandchildren Kelsey, Kali, Sean, Kora, Morgan Capling, Kamran, Amira and Soriah Haider; great grandsons Orion Fibranz, Preston and Parker Capling; sister Sue Seymour (Bat), sisters-in-law Faith Capling, Nancy Kelley, brother in-law Mark (Charlotte) Bearss, and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson Kyle Capling, daughter in law Michelle Capling, brother Phillip Capling, brother-in-law Bill Kelley and sister Mary Ellen Brewster and brother in law Bob Brewster.
He also leaves behind his special four legged companion Cindy.
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date, with burial in Sacred Heart Catholic Church cemetery in Colfax Township.
Memorials may be offered to The Bad Axe Rotary Club.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Read MoreGod Bless this great friend and community builder.
Dick Weber
November 10, 2023 | Brookings, OR | Friend
I don't even remember what year it was I visited Bad Axe and the family farm. Pete brought me to the sheriff's office and showed me a photo of our grandfather, the first Catholic to be made a sheriff in Michigan. It was a special visit and brought me closer to my mom's side of the family. His wonderful wife Sue shared some locally made cherry wine with me (not my favorite I must admit) and I met a number of family members I hadn't met before. He was my first cousin, and though I didn't know...
Kate Fentress
August 28, 2023 | S. Dartmouth, MA | Family
This is for the Capling family. I hope you remember me I grew up with your Mom Sue and your Uncle Freddie in Birmingham. My sister Mary Kay Forbes was Sue´s best friend for life. My whole family spent many years going to the cottage, what memories we made. I am so sorry Mary Kay cannot reach out to you with condolences but unfortunately she is now in memory care in Salisbury North Carolina. She asks about Sue all the time she does not remember that she is gone. Anyway just wanted you to know...
Judy Lester
November 25, 2022 | Friend
Bad Axe and Huron County has lost a great man, one of a kind. Pete was a friend , extaordanaire. The good Lord inherited a good friend!!
Dick Weber
November 19, 2022 | Friend
I’m so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I worked with Pete for quite a number of years while at the courthouse and as a private attorney. Pete will always have a special place in my heart. He gave me much advice throughout my years and I still hold it in high regard. He was quite the old school attorney and I loved that about him. He didn’t change with the times he stayed true to who he was. You will be missed Pete by many, I know this. Your family will be in my prayers.
Brenda Stomack
November 17, 2022 | Ubly, MI | Coworker
Pete was such a nice person and a wonderful neighbor. We used to rely on him for an accurate count of trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood each Halloween (and there were always hundreds!). Our sincere condolences to the family - you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris & Jean Natzel
November 17, 2022 | Weidman, MI | Neighbor
Sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I always had the highest respect for him both in and out of the court room. It was a pleasure during the years I was with the Huron County Sheriff Department to work on cases with him when he served as Huron County Prosecutor. He was such a fair and caring attorney and magistrate judge. He will be missed.
Brent Woodward, Sergeant, Ret.
November 17, 2022 | Elkton, MI | Friend
RIP Pete. A good man. He handled my swearing in to the Michigan Bar along time ago and ,made it special. I still have a photo of Pete Judge Knoblock and I from that day. A good friend...
Mark Davis
November 17, 2022 | Friend
Sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a great neighbor, I enjoyed saying hi to him when he was walking his dog. Enjoyed listening to his stories at our Rotary meetings. Just a nice person.
Jim Wencel
November 17, 2022 | Zephyrhills, FL | Neighbor
