Romaine Kay Capps was born April 3, 1938 in Freeport, IL and passed peacefully in her sleep on February 14th, 2025 in Spring Grove, MN. She was born to Hasper and Margaret Schoonhoven. Romaine was raised on the farm, the oldest of four children. Her choice for chores was housework and babysitting instead of any animal care. This was likely because she could easily pull out a book and read. Her passion was reading. Later in life she recorded the books she remembered, her book count was at 1,241.
Family relationships were important and Romaine was especially close to her aunts, uncles, and cousins. This continued into adulthood as she taught her children and grandchildren the importance and joy of a tight knit family. She was an Illinois State Fair garment champion, an avid ice skater, and graduated early from H.S.
Romaine married her H.S. sweetheart Jack Capps, in 1957. She attended Northern Illinois University and finished up her doctorate level degree while raising three children with her husband. Her degree was in Education. Her first teaching assignment was at the one room schoolhouse she attended as a child. She enjoyed teaching and her goal was to empower every child with the tools needed to succeed. She was a much loved, respected, and sometimes feared educator. She moved from teaching to administration and was the first female administrator in the Forrestville Valley School District.
Romaine retired early at 55 so she and Jack could travel, spend time at the lake property, and enjoy their grandchildren. She and Jack eventually had 8 grandchildren in total.
She spent as much time in Merrimac, WI at their lake property as possible. She and Jack travelled to all 50 states, Europe, and the Caribbean. They did the NASCAR Circuit and wintered in Florida.
Romaine’s greatest joy was her family. She attended her children’s arts and sporting events and then her grandchildren’s as well. She loved gathering everyone together at the lake and at Christmastime. Christmas was something to behold with Romaine and Jack as Santa Claus.
Her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart and she kept in touch with them throughout her life.
She became a devoted Caitlin Clark fan and rarely missed a game. She also learned to love the animals her family collected.
Romaine is survived by her son, Mark and his children Tiffiny (Jesse) Smith, Jonathan (Esther Hernandez Fletes) Capps, daughter Jill and her children Chase (Vili Bayreva) Morgan, Hunter (Joselyn Sulureh) Morgan, daughter Kay and children Garrett (Adriana Hernandez Calderon) Cross, Kaley (Nick Pavelich) Cross, Addison Cross, Elliott (Erin Schrader) Cross, great-grandchildren Kylie, Leiya, and Gavin Smith, Ambar Rubin Hernandez, Kenai Cross, Michael Morgan, sister Marlene (Al) Lewis, sister-in-law Roberta Schoonhoven, brother-in-law Larry Lessman, many nieces and nephews and significant friend Nannette Stroebel.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, John Bruce Capps, parents Hasper and Margaret Schoonhoven, in-laws, Milton and Mildred Capps, siblings Sharon Lessman and Bradley Schoonhoven, sister-in-law Nancy Erickson.
Per Romaine’s wishes no funeral or visitation will occur. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care in her name. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
We would like to thank Mayo Clinic, Hospital, Hospice Care, and Tim Mengis of Mengis Funeral home for their compassion and care.
An enduring thank you to Addison Cross for the loving care they took of their grandmother. Romaine was forever grateful as we all are.
She left a hole that will not be filled. Her legacy will continue within her family.
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