Kevin Scott Uphoff

COTTAGE GROVE - Kevin S. Uphoff died August 25, 2026. He was born April 29, 1958, to Donald and Jacqueline (Schimelpfenig) Uphoff. Kevin graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1976. Kevin and Cheryl have been together since 1980. They married in 2000 in Vegas. Kevin spent the next 50 years at the school of hard knocks. In 1978, he started Uphoff Landscaping where he was still at today. Later in life, Kevin started attending tractor shows. Kevin then bought himself a 3010 John Deere that he took to parades, tractor rides, plow days and joy riding.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Jenifer (Kevin) Tober; sons, Daniel Uphoff and Dylan Uphoff; sisters, Kim Zimmerman, Kae (Kim) Hubred, Karen (David) Borgrud, Kia Uphoff and Katrina Bierd; brother, Kendal (Donna) Uphoff; grandchildren, Odessa (Jacob) Tober and Braxton Uphoff; mother-in-law, Mariellen Schlobohm; sister-in-law, Anneve (John) Munson; brothers-in-law, Lenny Schlobohm and Mike (Mary) Schlobohm; a Shit Ton of nieces and nephews; and his grandpup, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keir; nephew, The K-MAN; father-in-law, Len Schlobohm; daughter-in-law, Kaila Uphoff; brother-in-law, Tim Schlobohm; and grandpup, Nala.

The above are Kevin’s humbling words, but he gave his family permission to add their thoughts and memories.

Kevin’s peaceful passing was at his home surrounded by his family. Up until his last days, his priority was ensuring his family was safe and accounted for and of course making sure the work was being done. Kevin and his family lost their father at an early age, and he and his siblings alongside their mother continued on the responsibilities of farm life. Although the work was hard, it instilled a lifelong commitment to a strong work ethic and to each other. At the age of 15, Kevin lost his leg in a farming accident, but never allowed this to be a challenge and in fact found humor in his deficit. He once dressed up as a peg-legged pirate and has also been known to yell “Shark” while in the ocean with a bottle of ketchup. Aside from landscaping, Kevin built strong relationships with those he did business with including several years working with The Parade of Homes, his nearly 40 years of working with The World Dairy Expo and the Alliant Energy Center alongside his brother and Kevin's sons. Kevin’s craft truly shined when he was in his skid steer, which was known as his third hand. Kevin had a reputation for building retaining walls and once had a customer tell him “Watching you is like watching art being made.” In addition to landscaping, Kevin, his brother and his sons teamed up for snowplowing and have serviced hundreds of businesses in and around the Madison area.

Kevin’s last few years brought many challenges but he was able to carry on with the support and devotion from his loving wife, Cheryl. She is blessed to have had 46 years with the love of her life.

Kevin’s sons are his legacy. His boys were running equipment by the time they could reach the pedals and out on job sites working and learning which Kevin was really proud of. Dan and Dylan became Dad’s confidants and continue to mirror his way of life.

His daughter, Jenifer, was her father's keeper. A fierce advocate, she assisted with navigating and guiding Kevin through his medical journey. He referred to her as the “Warden” to which she honored the title. The love and guidance he gave her throughout her years will forever be embedded in her heart.

Kevin leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Odessa and Braxton, who brought him immeasurable love and joy. Odessa held a very special place in his heart, being his only grandchild for 19 years. They shared a bond that was truly one of a kind. She spent countless days at his house having sleepovers, riding along with him in the skid steer, giving her snacks her mother didn't approve of, and making memories that she will cherish forever. The love he had for her was something you could always see and feel. Years later, he was blessed with his grandson, Braxton, which brought him a new and special kind of happiness. He had so much joy in teaching Braxton how to drive the farming equipment, playing with his John Deere toys and sharing mandarin oranges and Town House crackers together. He had so much pride in being their Grandpa. Grandpa will forever be a part of who they are and will always be deeply loved and missed.

Kevin was known for his quick wit, humor, pranks, tall tales and his ability to relate any situation to a Seinfeld episode. The stories remembered by his family and friends are priceless and never get old.

Kevin’s family would like to thank the SSM Short Stay nursing team, Dr. Steve Siewart, Dr. Adam Levin, and Michelle Lakner, NP. Thank you to Kevin’s siblings and their families for their unconditional support to him and his family-We are blessed.

“You are gone, but not forgotten. We shall love you forever. No more worrying about the weather or losing sleep.”

A funeral service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, with Father Pat Norris presiding. Burial will be held at Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. A late luncheon at The Oaks Golf course, 4740 Pierceville Road, Cottage Grove, will be held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420