Obituary

Marianne Margarete Babette Elflein Capito
January 11, 1937 - February 19, 2010

Marianne Margarete Babette Elflein Capito

Marianne Margarete Babette Elflein Capito
Jan 11, 1937 - Feb 19, 2010

Marianne Margarete Babette Elflein Capito
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Marianne Elflein Capito
Jan. 11, 1937 - Feb. 19, 2010

Marianne Elflein Capito, age 73 years 1 month and 9 days, died Friday, February 19, 2010 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A time for remembrances of Marianne will be held 5:00 -- 7:00 PM Monday, March 1, 2010 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way in Ames.

Marianne Margarete Babette (Elflein) Capito was born January 11, 1937 in Wiesbaden, Germany the daughter of Ludwig Wilhelm and Margarete (Baumann) Elflein. She grew to maturity in Germany and her early years were shaped and influenced by the World War II years and also the post war reconstruction era, and especially difficult for her was the loss of her father as a casualty during the war. She completed her Diploma of Esthetics through the German school system and not long after that she met and then married an American serviceman, in 1957, who was part of the post war forces in Germany. David Allen Capito was an Officer in the Air Force and he returned to America with his new bride. She followed him throughout his military career, which included several further assignments in Germany and in many posts and locations across America. She became a naturalized United States citizen in 1961 and in 1966 the family welcomed a son, Derek. During these years she held a variety of jobs, which changed as David's orders changed and she also had training in teaching pre-school music at the University of Frankfurt in Germany. While the family was in California and nearing the end of David's service with the military, the couple separated and then made this arrangement permanent in 1984. She began work in the Berlitz language school in Palo Alto, California, in 1983 and continued there through 1985 in German language instruction and also at this time she self published a cookbook, titled "Delicious-Easy-Fun-Cooking", which was dedicated to her son, Derek, with the wish for him to become a great cook and host. In 1986, she followed a close friend, Norman Dietrich, to Ames, Iowa, where he had been offered a position with Iowa State University in Landscape Architecture. She began, at the same time, teaching German language at Ames Middle School, Fellows School, and also adult classes at the Octagon and through DMACC and continued this work until 1997. She also self published a second book, in 1996, to use in her class work called, "The Cat and Other Little Stories", which included stories written in German from her past students homework which were matched with her English translation of the story. She also did several translations of technical work within Norman's field of study at this time and was available for other translation work. Norman died suddenly in 1996 and she continued to make Ames her home, although she did travel frequently and made many annual trips back to Germany. In 1997 she began to concentrate on teaching German language, privately, using her own methods and materials she developed. She had many students over these years and would tailor the course specifically to the individual needs of the students. She also continued to study other languages herself, primarily Italian and French. Another strong interest that stayed with her for her entire life was her pursuit of art through its many forms, types and expressions; she also was a lifelong patron of the arts and great supporter of artists. She also gave freely of her time as a volunteer in the Ames community for many years. The Reiman Gardens was her favorite site for her recent volunteer work, but she had also done volunteer work for WOI Radio, Friends of Iowa Public TV, and other local groups in the past.

Marianne is survived by her son, Derek Alan Capito of Redwood City, California and by a host of friends and acquaintances in the Ames area and also around the world.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the following interests/entities: Reiman Gardens, Des Moines Metro Opera and Israel Family Hospice House, You may send acknowledgements for memorials and condolences to John Skerritt, 3289 Stagecoach Rd, Ames, IA 50010,

On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com


Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Oretta on Mar 23, 2010

I met Marianne in Palo Alto,we both tought at Berlitz. She fascinated me because she was always positive and good humoured, and she always found the good side of things. We kept in touch when I came back to Europe, and I miss her very much.
Your smile will always be with me.

Bonnie Dickson on Mar 4, 2010

May the Lord bless and keep Marianne forever in His peace

Bonnie Dickson, close friend from Ames, IA. on Mar 4, 2010

Marianne was very bright and full of life and laughter. She did things her own way right to the end. She helped me and my children through some difficult times and we will miss her indeed. She always spoke of her son with much love and respect, and felt fortunate to have the Skerritts as her "local family".

friend on Mar 2, 2010

Marianne was a dear and fun friend to me while I lived in Ames. We laughed and helped each other in difficult times and spent some unusual moments together. Like picknicking on a frozen lake, ice chill, snow and wind colouring our cheeks. I am sad that she has gone elsewhere now.

Friends on Feb 27, 2010

We the Front Desk Associates at Reiman Gardens will miss her smile and the many good times we shared working with her.

Teresa McLaughlin, Director of Reiman Gardens on Feb 24, 2010

Marianne leaves many good memories with hundreds of fellow volunteers and friends. We will miss her friendly presence and all that she did as a volunteer at Reiman Gardens.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care on Feb 23, 2010

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Mar
1
Monday
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM


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