Elaine L. Capra

Elaine was a talent in so many ways, often sharing her gifts with others, inspiring those around her through her strength, resilience, and style. She was born Sept. 14, 1923, in Alpha, the eldest girl of eight children to Lawrence and Irene Vassar. Elaine’s family resided in Florence, Wis., in a small, dirt-floored cabin.

Elaine studied cosmetology and went on to marry Donald Tramontin in February of 1947. They welcomed three beautiful daughters together and lived on the North Side of Iron Mountain prior to moving to Moon Lake, often enjoying the company of friends and neighbors in their home.

Elaine owned her own salon, as well as a clothing store in Iron Mountain, bringing the latest styles and fashions to the area. Her hobbies included ceramics, golf, sewing, cooking and bowling.

After Donald passed, Elaine met Robert Capra while out dancing with friends, and they were united in marriage in May 1976. Elaine and Bob spent many years together enjoying golf and traveling while wintering in Arizona.

Elaine lived so much of her life surrounded by her family, and they truly embraced this time, never missing a celebration, event or get-together.

Elaine is survived by her siblings, Russell Vassar, Barbara Dagostino, Alice Westman and Marlene Norbertson; daughters Marlea (Rich) Weber, Dawn Tramontin (Roger Heinzman), and Denise (Steve) Kotlar; stepchildren Janice (Tony) Bratton, Larry (Christine) Capra, and Teresa (Jim) Wirth; grandchildren Brian (Amee) Hord, Christopher (Amy) Hord, Jessie (Kaveh) Barakhshan, and Jennifer (Jon) Daubner, stepgrandchildren Kimberly Capra-Warren, Christopher Capra, and Gina Sievers; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Arlington Vassar, Donald Vassar and Betty LeFleur; husband Donald Tramontin; husband Robert Capra; and son-in-law Stephen Kotlar.

The memories she created with those she loved will forever live on in those she leaves behind. She was strong, determined, and pioneering in her life and was able to impress those qualities on all those she met. The family will be honoring the beautiful life of Elaine in a private ceremony.

If you look to the sky and see a flash of red,

Follow the wings with a turn of your head.

The cardinal that flies may not be me,

But a reminder that my soul is now free.

— Jessie Barakhshan

Private services will be held.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Elaine Lavern (Vassar) Tramontin Capra online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.