Marlene B. Knopf

Marlene B. Knopf

April 10, 1960 - April 23, 2025

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Obituary

STOUGHTON - Marlene Beth Knopf, age 65, of Stoughton, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. She was born on April 10, 1960, in Cherokee, Okla., the daughter of Marvin and Helen (Whitehead) Knopf.


Marlene grew up in Burlington, Okla., on a farm. She attended Burlington Public Schools and graduated from Burlington High School in 1978. She excelled on the Women’s High School Basketball and Tennis teams.


Marlene then went on to attend Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Okla., where she competed on the Women’s Basketball Team. Their basketball team won their division championship while she was on the team, and she was awarded what was humorously called her “Superbowl Ring!” She received an Associate Degree in mid-management.


Marlene worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Stoughton, Wis., for 27 years before retiring in September 2020. She was also an X-ray Specialist during Desert Storm as a part of the U.S. Army. She met and married her lifetime partner, Lori, in 1986.


Marlene had many interests, including hiking, golfing, skiing, sailing, wind surfing and traveling. She especially enjoyed visiting the beautiful National Parks and rooting for the UW-Madison Basketball Team and WNBA teams. She was devoted to her English Bulldogs, Boomer and Sophie.


We will always remember Marlene’s kind heart, beautiful smile, joyful laugh and boundless energy.


A special thanks to Katelynn (RN) and Erin (social worker) for their loving care, compassion and kindness to Marlene and Lori and their families.


Marlene is survived by her spouse, Lori Lanphere; mother-in-law, Mary Louise Lanphere; sister, Vickie (Allen) Schiffner, Rita (Jack) Baldwin, Ramona (Ted) Atchley and Rebecca (Kevin) Lingemann; brother, Floyd (Misti) Knopf; sisters-in-law, Lisa (Ken) VanDaalwyk and Luci (Henry) Kujellis; brother-in-law, Larry (Bonnie) Lanphere; and numerous loved nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Helen and Marvin.


In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The National Parks Foundation or Agrace Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson
(608) 873-4590

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Marlene
AK
A Memorial Tree was planted for Marlene Beth Knopf
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Stoughton
ME
Mary Lynn Endter
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This loss is simply unimaginable. Marlene was easily the nicest, kindest person ever. Her obituary is a beautiful tribute and perfectly captures her essence. Lori, there are no words to properly express an understanding of your sorrow and pain. We will never forget Marlene and please know that we are sending love through our tears. Annie and Mary Lynn
GJ
Gina Jaje
Other •
Sorry for your loss! Marlene was a sweetan honest friend.Rembering going for a ride in her new Tesla Marlene just glowing as she explained all its features and showing me all the compatments as we chuckled when she made the car "Fart" ! Great and dear friend that will be greatly missed!
DS
Diane Kasparek Spicer
Other •
So sorry to hear this news. Condolences and love to all the family.
BB
Bill berry
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Marlene and I worked together for 25 years at the Stoughton p.o. ,we became fast friends, she always had a smile when telling how her vacation or weekend went .we enjoyed st Patty's with our spouses ( Lori and Lisa) ,it was a standing tradition, goofy hats ,beads and of course green attire ! Marlene was always a spiritual person we shared that . I will look for you in the clouds old friend, in the next life we'll celebrate st Patty's, goofy hats beads and all .
RW
Renee Wagner
Other •
Marlene was always a happy go lucky person and will be missed dearly, especially at the Basco Bologna Bash held at Dot's Tavern. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lori and the family.

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