Elaine M. Capelle

Elaine M Capelle, 75, Green Bay, passed away peacefully at home on September 27th, 2016. She was born June 29th, 1941 to the late Stanley and Lena (Devalk) Vandehey.

Elaine Married the love of her life John (Jack) on July 28th 1962.

Elaine worked for the University of Wisconsin Green Bay for over 30 years. While at UWGB and upon retirement (not that she ever retired); she worked at Commercial Laundry, Preparing Taxes (many for cookies), and volunteered in many other capacities including the United Way (Board), AFL-CIO Labor Union (Council), Recording Secretary for the Wisconsin Action Coalition, Coordinator of the Labor Council Legislative Breakfast, Brown County Extension Family Financial Counselor and numerous other activities.

Elaine was selected for the William Heraly MacDonald Award in recognition to her commitment as a community volunteer. She was also awarded the Business and Professional Women's 1993 "Women of Achievement" and the 1992 Victor G. Crambeau Community Services Award from the Greater Green Bay Labor Council.

Elaine initiated the first conference in Green Bay on women who were victims of abuse and took many of these women and their children into her residence for safety prior to the opening of the Golden House.

Elaine's greatest joys were spending time with her family, knitting slippers (we all wondered how many feet she covered over the years), playing Sudoku, watching game shows and sparing with Jack; lol.

She was a close friend, a mentor and a true hero. She always took time to listen and help everyone. She has impacted so many people's lives and has left us a legacy to follow.

Elaine is survived by her husband John (Jack), Two daughters Debra (Ray) Cordes and Laura (Dave) Lambert and one son William (Jill) Capelle. Elaine also is survived by her Grandchildren Travis, Andrew, Lena Ray, Christopher, Samantha and Great Grandchildren Baleigh, Isabella, Savanna, and Sonia. Two Brothers Roger (Mary) Vandehey and John Vandehey.

Elaine is preceded in death by Parents, Brother James and Granddaughter Leigha.

Family and friends may visit Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, on Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m., with Deacon Bill Burkel officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at the Prokowall website.

The family expresses their thanks for all the prayers, support and cards from friends and family and the staff at Unity Hospice.

Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30, 2016

(Reprinted with permission from Rhonda Raleigh, Executive Assistant to the President & Publisher, Green Bay Press-Gazette.)