Marlene Louise Rupnow

Marlene Louise (Alm) Rupnow, 74, of Oconomowoc, passed away on November 17th, 2024, at AngelsGrace Hospice, surrounded in love by her family.

Marlene was born on February 10th, 1950, the second of four children, to Earl and Lois (Sardeson) Alm. She started her life on the family farm before moving to town and attending elementary school in Monticello. In 1962 the family relocated to Blanchardville to open Alm’s Café. Marlene graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1968.

It was during her senior year at Blanchardville that Marlene went on a date and fell in love with David Rupnow. Best friends, partners, and loves of each other’s lives, Marlene and David just loved being together. While their favorite thing to do was travel, they found equal joy in the simple things – a romantic dinner, a walk on the beach, snuggles on the couch, or an ice cream cone at The Kiltie. At the end of her life, when nothing else made sense anymore for Marlene, she always knew David.

Marlene and David were married in 1968 and spent their newlywed years moving around the Midwest before settling in Oconomowoc in 1975. During this time, they welcomed 3 wonderful daughters – Pam, Valerie, and Debbie. Marlene and David built a warm and loving home for their girls. Christmas, in particular, was a magical time with simple, but steadfast traditions like sugar cookie decorating, Bing Crosby on the radio, Christmas Eve schnitzel, and a tree sparkling with lights and tinsel. At the heart of it all was Marlene.

After her young girls were settled in school, Marlene chose to continue her own education by enrolling in pharmacy school at the University of Wisconsin. She graduated in 1984 and went to work as a pharmacist at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. She retired after a very successful 29-year career there.

Upon retirement Marlene and David spent their time traveling around the United States and Europe and enjoying time with their family. Their 6 grandkids brought them immense joy. Marlene was known for her love of babies and kids – she couldn’t pass a child without chatting with them – but her love for her own grandchildren was unparalleled. From the day the kids were born, Marlene and David spent their time making special memories with each of them. During trips to the park, golf ball hunts, adventures to the ocean and to the “big city” (Chicago), Marlene was intent on letting her grandkids know, without a doubt, how much she loved them.

Music was also an important part of Marlene’s life. She lent her beautiful voice to the choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for over 10 years. She could also be found dancing and singing along to every 1960’s song in the book. Even towards the end, music was a calming force for her.

Life was unfairly thrown off track when Marlene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2011. Ever positive, though, she approached the diagnosis with grace and positivity. She worked to understand the disease and advocate for all patients. “Marlene’s Gang” was a regular fixture at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Frame Park.

Besides her family, Marlene’s greatest legacy is a spirit of love and kindness. Throughout her life Marlene approached people with the sole intent of brightening their day and making a connection. She regularly surprised complete strangers with genuine compliments, usually bringing a smile to their faces. Even when her family wanted to move her along, Marlene remained faithful in her desire to connect with people. She brought joy to so many lives.

Marlene leaves behind her husband, David; their three (3) daughters – Pamela Rupnow of Bloomington, MN, Valerie (Greg) Hackbart of Appleton, and Debra (Brett) Brever of Waterford; six (6) grandchildren – Jack (Grace Wynveen) Hackbart, Benjamin Hackbart, Allison Hackbart, Meghan Brever, Molly Brever, and Maddie Brever; sister Marilyn (Kirby) Letheby and brothers Larry (Kathy) Alm and Phillip (Diane) Alm; brother-in-law James Rupnow; sister-in-law Victoria (Bob) Meyer; dear friend Pat Mikula, plus many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Marlene was welcomed to Heaven by those who preceded her in death, including her parents; her brother, Roland Sardeson; in-laws, Bill and Jane Rupnow; and sister-in-law, Jana Rupnow.

Visitation will take place Saturday, November 23rd from 9-11am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, followed by a service at 11am. Join the family for lunch following the completion of the service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and AngelsGrace Hospice for their comfort and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org . You can also honor Marlene’s memory today by complimenting a stranger, giving someone a warm hug, or telling your family how much you love them.