Marilyn Joan Capitani
October 31, 1933 - August 16, 2017
Marilyn Joan Capitani, age 83, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation for Marilyn will be held from 5:00 P.M., until 7:00 P.M. Sunday, August 20th, 2017 at the Winfield Funeral Home with Marilyn’s family present. Marilyn’s wishes were to be cremated, a Memorial Service for Marilyn will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 21th, 2017 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Knoxville with Rev. Joel Picard officiating. A private family burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery prior to the service. Marilyn was born in Ackley, Iowa, on October 31, 1933 the daughter of Truman and Clara Gabby. Marilyn lived in Cedar Falls throughout her early years. Marilyn graduated from the Campus School in Cedar Falls, Class of 1951. After high school Marilyn obtained her associates in teaching from Iowa Teachers College, known now as the University of Northern Iowa. Marilyn continued her teaching degree receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduating with honors from William Penn. After college Marilyn married her college sweetheart, Ralph Capitani on June 16, 1956 in Baumholder, Germany. They began their marriage in Germany and later moved to Knoxville in 1961, to this union they were blessed with three sons; Steven, David, and John. Marilyn and Ralph had shared over 60 loving years of marriage together before his passing on February 27, 2017. Marilyn began working for the Knoxville School System, teaching Chapter 1 Reading for several years and then first grade. Marilyn had a great passion for teaching and a love for children. Marilyn taught for over 30 years before retiring in 1994. Marilyn was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Bible School, was a member of the choir and Bible Study Groups. She was also active with the Mentor Study Club and Marion County Retired School Personnel Association. Marilyn loved to read, completing crossword puzzles, playing bridge, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She was always very proud of them. Those left to cherish Marilyn’s memories are her three sons, Steve Capitani of Knoxville, David (Trudy) Capitani of Northwood, Iowa, and John Capitani of Knoxville; three grandchildren, Spencer, Chandler and Livie Capitani; two brothers, Frank (Nancy) Gabby of Blair, IL and Bruce (Jan) Gabby of Greer, AZ; and many cousins, nieces, relatives and friends. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Truman Albert and Clara Sophia Gabby; and her husband, Ralph Capitani. In lieu of flowers, the following memorials have been established in Marilyn’s name; Trinity Lutheran Church of Knoxville or Knoxville Panther’s Scholarship Foundation. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Marilyn’s family with services.
Marilyn Joan Capitani, age 83, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation for Marilyn will be held from 5:00 P.M., until 7:00 P.M. Sunday, August 20th, 2017 at the... View Obituary & Service Information