Cheryl Marlene Rupp

MADISON - Cheryl M. Rupp, age 73, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family at Agrace HospiceCare.

Cheryl was born on November 9, 1952, in Boscobel, Wis., daughter to Jerome and Golda (Stocks) Sperry.

Cheryl was one of 12 children that included, Tom, Mary, Lenny, Gina, Pat, Rick, David, Marjorie, Bill, Steve, and Connie.

She attended Central High School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Cheryl started working for the Madison Kipp Corporation in 1984 and worked there for 34 years before retiring in 2018.

Cheryl married the love of her life, Harald Rupp, in 1979, enjoying a wonderful 47 years of marriage.

She was known for her heart of gold, her unwavering patience and loving devotion to her family. Her children, Robert, Sonja and Travis, were the most precious things to her. Her love extended to spoiling her grandchildren, Alecia Oren, David Poe, Kayne Scallissi, and her future great-grandson, Azariah.

Cheryl cherished the time she spent with her in-laws, Artur and Irma Rupp. There were endless family outings with them along with the extended Rupp family. Cheryl also cherished her morning phone calls with her sisters, Marjorie, Gina and Connie over coffee.

She loved and enjoyed many things in her life. She especially loved sitting and soaking in the sunshine on her deck, drinking coffee, and spoiling her beloved dog, Teddy.

She loved her many cross-country motorcycle trips with her husband, Harald. To be more comfortable during their rides, she twisted Harald’s arm to buy a larger motorcycle and that's how her name got on the title of an HD Ultra motorcycle and she didn't mind spending money to make it look like the best bike on the road.  

Cheryl traveled to 19 different states on the back of her motorcycle, which was quite a feat. Her favorite places to travel were in Colorado. She was scared to go up Independence Pass but loved the views. (Her wish was to have some of her ashes be taken there.) Cheryl enjoyed riding to the Appalachian Mountains with her in-laws, Bill and Karen.

Touching the ocean off the Carolina coast for the first time was also such a thrill to her.

One thing Cheryl didn't enjoy was riding on the back of the bike in 95-degree weather. “But, who does!” She was the lookout while Harald enjoyed the scenery and she was quick to tap him in the head to watch the road!

Cheryl also enjoyed river rafting, bowling, puzzle games, hidden object games, physical puzzles, along with various card games with friends and family. She would spend endless hours watching various reality tv shows, her favorites being the “Housewives” franchises, Dr. Poe and other animal shows. Cheryl also enjoyed watching C and B tier Sci-Fi movies.

Cheryl’s endless kindness will never be forgotten, and her unconditional love will forever be in all our hearts.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Harald; children, Robert Poe, Sonja Rupp (Nick Nonn) and Travis Rupp; and her three grandchildren, Alecia Oren, Kayne Scalissi and David Poe and her soon-to-be great-grandson, Azariah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Golda Sperry; brothers, Tom and Lenny; sisters, Mary and Pat; in-laws, Artur and Irma Rupp; great-nephew, William Rupp; and niece, Terri Jo Cure.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, Wis., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Online condolences may be made at www.gunderson.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420