Elfriede Kuehn

Elfriede Kuehn, known by her family and friends as Elfi, was surrounded by love and her family when she passed away on March 5, 2021 in Novato, CA. She was born in Koenigsberg, Germany on October 7, 1938 and immigrated to Hamburg, Germany during the war. In 1958, she moved to Canada to join her fiancé, whom she married the same year. They moved to Marin County in 1960, where they raised two boys, Michael and Marco. While raising the boys, Elfi started a German Language School in San Rafael, which still exists 50 years later. She worked as a bookkeeper for the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA. Once she retired, Elfi played an instrumental role in opening a German auto repair shop with her son, Michael, in Novato.

Elfi was an exceptional cook and baker who enjoyed making both authentic German dishes and desserts. Additionally, she was a stellar host and took great pleasure in entertaining her family and friends. She was an avid tennis player who loved spending time outdoors. Elfi had a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and an irresistible laugh. She touched the hearts of many with her generous spirit and passion for animals.

Elfi will be remembered by her younger sister, Rosemary Bethke; her son, Michael, his wife, Carolyn; and her son, Marco and his wife, Jody. She will also be remembered by her six grandchildren: Ryan, Scott, Miranda, Justin, Caitlin and Parker; her two greatgrandchildren (soon to be three); and her nieces and nephews in Germany. Last but certainly not least, her constant and faithful companion dog, Cookie.

A celebration of life will be held in the summertime once it becomes safe for us to participate. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Elfi’s honor to Hospice by the Bay or to Marin Humane Society, so her passion for animals may live on.