Obituaries
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Marilyn J Levknecht
June 17, 1936 - Jan. 26, 2025 - Stockbridge, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
1:00 pm
Military Road
Stockbridge, WI 53088
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Military Road
Stockbridge, WI 53088
Marilyn J Levknecht
Stockbridge WI
Our beautiful mother, Marilyn Jean Levknecht, died at the age of 88, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Homestead Care Center in New Holstein.
Marilyn was born June 17, 1936 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of the late Theodore and HIldegarde (Gillis) Meyer. As a young girl, she moved to Stockbridge, Wisconsin with her family, where she attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Stockbridge High School.
A music lover her entire life, she served as majorette for Stockbridge H.S. Band. During one parade, her smile and energy caught the eye of Kimberly High School student, Lyle Levknecht. He was unable to resist her undeniable spice and charm, and they dated throughout their high school years.
Marilyn and Lyle were married on October 2, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stockbridge.
Marilyn’s new husband answered the call of service to his country. Marilyn and Lyle moved to Massachusetts where Lyle received basic training for the U.S. Army. Their first daughter, Susan, was born there. Lyle served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Marilyn returned to Stockbridge with her baby daughter to await Lyle’s return to Wisconsin. The growing family soon enjoyed their first house at Sunset Beach Road on Lake Winnebago. Marilyn, a faith-filled Catholic, engaged her family in parish life at St. Mary’s from the start. Close friend, Rosie Schmitting, was close by. The two friends shared the ups and downs of family life together.
At the lake, with Lyle close by, Marilyn taught most of her children how to swim. Together, they enjoyed family life at the lake: barbeques, swimming, games, fishing, boating and gardening on a grand scale. Marilyn shared the annual harvest with family and friends, having expert canning, cooking and baking skills.
Marilyn and Lyle created many happy memories for their family: they raised family dogs including Pepper, Linus and T-bone Gerty. In those early years at the lake, after supper on Saturdays, it was bath time followed by watching Lawrence Welk and the Mitch Miller Show. Don’t forget the rootbeer floats and popcorn! Some nights, the family enjoyed home movies lovingly made by dad, Lyle. You never went to bed without a kiss and hug from Mom and Dad.
In summer, Marilyn and Lyle took their family camping, and to visit friends who were family, especially the Manikowski’s of Michigan, and the Nelsons of Minnesota. Traveling to Michigan, the family voyaged on the S.S. Badger, taking off from Manitowoc. Ask her children: they will tell you stories! The Manikowskis continue to be a dear part of the Levknecht family.
Ask her kids about food, and they will make your mouth water telling you about Marilyn’s family dishes: caramel dumplings, cabbage style pigs-in-a-blanket and so many more.
It only follows that in the early 1970s, Marilyn and Lyle became the owners of the Gobblers Knob Supper Club in Stockbridge, serving delicious meals and carefully crafted cocktails for many years. Many early mornings you would find Marilyn with one or more of her children, making up her spectacular soup and salad bar! And, the perfect companion to perch, pike, haddock and even fries: her tartar sauce - legendary! If you walked into the Knob, Marilyn had a ready smile and warm welcome for all who came to enjoy her food and company.
Together, Marilyn and Lyle operated the Gobbler’s Knob until selling it to their sons and daughter -in-law, Brian, Dave and Laurie, who continued the family tradition of great service, delicious food and true hospitality.
A great example of giving spirit for her family, Marilyn cooked for Meals on Wheels. She also served many meals as a Christian Mother for St. Mary’s Church. She and her husband did not forget about people around them who were shut in. On Thanksgiving, they personally delivered many delicious meals complete with turkey, dressing and all the fixings. Family Thanksgiving gatherings were special, prayerful and thanks-filled events, due largely to her love and leadership.
Marilyn and Lyle followed and supported sports avidly throughout their years together. She attended many sporting events for her children and cheered on the Brewers, Packers and the Bucks. Knowledgeable about sports, Marilyn was a solid support for her children and great sports fan.
In 1993, Marilyn and Lyle lost their son, Robert (Bubba) to an industrial accident. In his honor, the family started the annual Big Bubba Golf Tournament at Hickory Hills Golf Club. Together with their children, Marilyn and Lyle raised thousands of dollars to support Stockbridge Schools sports and other charities.
Having a rich, deep voice, Marilyn and her sister, Pat sang many years as Foxy Ladies with the Sweet Adelines of Appleton. They competed nationally, making it to finals for Sweet Adelines International. They traveled to the east coast and to Florida for these competitions.
Marilyn’s sense of humor is remembered in long sessions sitting at the Knob with her siblings telling jokes and laughing…for hours on end! Her children learned humor, enjoying these times with family.
Marilyn’s amazing stamina allowed her to include life as an Avon Lady, which also connected her to so many in the community. Ever social, she was also a Cub Scout Leader, a member of the Red Hats, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and created lovely, intricate wedding cakes for many local wedding parties.
Marilyn was called Mom by many. She gave everyone, but especially her own children, the example that we take care of each other and give what we can. Part of Marilyn’s joy in heaven is seeing her children’s generosity and can-do spirit! Her love and spirit go forward in the bountiful and rich lives of her children and grandchildren. Her talents and loving spirit live on in her family and in the community that remembers her so fondly.
God Bless your hardworking hands, now laid to rest, Mom!
Survivors include her children: Suzi Bowe, Tim (Patty) Levknecht, Cindy (Steve) Bowe, Laurie (John) Broeren, Dave (Laurie) Levknecht, Brian Levknecht, Melanie (David) Lee, Cory (Jennifer) Levknecht; foreign exchange children: Adalia Jansen & Pedro H.M.Magalhaes; grandchildren: Michael, Nina, Nathan, Kristan, Matthew, Nicole, Adam, Heather, Stevie, Tiffany, Leigha, Chais, Cody, Bailey, Sawyer, Hayden, Carson, Cashton, Anden, Izzie, Easton, Atley; her 20 great grandchildren: Aiden, Lauren, Avery, Oliver, Mabel, Piper, Isla, Charlotte, Parker, Oliviah, Samuel, Theodore, Maddox, Makai, Kelson, Talia, Olivia, Lily, Eliana, Evelyn along with Baby Acevedo who will be arriving in spring; her siblings: Carole Wolf, Ellen Hammen and fiancé Wayne Steffen, Wayne (Ginny) Meyer; and her siblings-in-law: Art Levknecht, Lee (Jane) Levknecht, Judy Meyer and her fiancé Bob Preissner, Jeanne (Allan) Lamers. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hildegarde and Theodore Meyer; her husband: Lyle; her son: Bob Levknecht; her son-in-law: Dave Bowe; a sister: Pat Parsons; a brother: Ted Meyer; parents-in-law: Ronald & Gertrude Levknecht; and siblings-in-law: Dorothy Levknecht, Dan Hammen, Don Parsons, Toots (Bully) Jansen, Ken Levknecht, and Sam Wolf.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge with the Rev. Michael Betley officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
Marilyn’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to Emily Koller and all her friends she made at the Homestead. Emily, thank you for all of the extra kindness you have shown to her and our entire family.
Condolences
A great woman and friend who will be happily remembered by all of us who knew and loved her. A wonderful role model for her entire family and the rest of us.
Mary Muellenbach (friend) 2025-02-10 09:37:53
Just know that she followed Gods plan. A truly remarkable woman. She was kind, funny,sweet . Her whole family adopted me from the time I became best friends with her daughter Laurie, you could not ask for a better family and that came from the love that Lyle and Marilyn gave and showed them, not only them but every one they met. You are home now with Lyle and Bubba and we will miss you all??????
Pat and Anna Rochon (Friend) 2025-02-10 03:08:03
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, You all have treated me like family and I am truly blessed to have known Marilyn and Lyle. Love you all.
Laurie Slomski (Friend) 2025-02-08 10:27:31
Marilyn was always so kind and funny. I enjoyed seeing her and the family at the knob and I miss that. She raised a wonderful family. Or sincere condolences to the family for your loss.??????
Sue and Pete Bieri (Freinds of family) 2025-02-07 08:01:47
She was a very kind and fun person. Her and Lyle always made me feel welcome, I really miss them at the knob in Stockbridge. They raised a beautiful family. My heart goes out to all of you and you have my sincere condolences.??????
Sue Bieri (She’s mom to Cindy, Tim . My dear classmates) 2025-02-07 07:57:24
I have known Marilyn and her amazing family for my entire life. So many good memories from swimming in Lake Winnebago, to having Printzel fights in the tent. We are states away but the memories will always be close to our hearts. Marilyn was loved and will be missed.
Tom and Susie Manikowski (Very close family friends) 2025-02-06 08:13:38
Our sympathy to Marilyn’s family. We are so glad we meet and knew a lot of you while living in Stockbridge. We fondly remember good times with Marilyn,Carole, Ellie and Pat????????
Diane Adams (Friend ) 2025-02-04 15:48:57
Our sincere condolences to the entire Levknecht Family.
Gordon and Carla Bratz (Friends) 2025-02-04 11:02:33
Always enjoyed Marilyn and Lyle at the Knob. They were like family. God Bless Her!
Don & Ginny Ziegelbauer (Friends) 2025-02-03 09:47:42
To the entire Levknecht family especially Brian, I am truly sorry for your loss, Marilyn was the life in the crowd at the Knob such a nice lady ,my sincere condolences
Kim Hill (Friend) 2025-02-02 18:26:46
Marilyn was true a strong part of the community. She will never be forgotten. She left a lasting legacy in her children. My deepest sympathy
Carole Behnke Leith (Friend ) 2025-02-02 17:54:00
Always that beautiful smile when you walked into the Knob, that continued throughout her time. Blessed to have shared some laughs with her.. sympathies to the family ????
Sharon and Sharon (Friends) 2025-02-02 07:47:03
“I love you, a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, a hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap, a barrel and a heap and I’m talking in my sleep about you, about you. I love you, a bushel and a peck, you bet your sweet life I do.”???????? Thank you grandma for a love so warm and a heart so dear. I’m going to miss you.
Hayden D. Lee (Grandson) 2025-02-01 23:13:44
My deepest sympathies to the family. She always had a smile for everyone she met....
Gloria Comerford (Friend) 2025-02-01 14:33:09
Our very deepest sympathy to the Levknecht family! We had so many great times at the knob with Marilyn and Lyle! Wonderful couple, always fun to visit with!
Kathy and Lonnie Wagner (Friend) 2025-01-31 18:54:22
Our very deepest sympathy to the Levknecht family! We had so many great times at the knob with Marilyn and Lyle! Wonderful couple, always fun to visit with them!
Kathy and Lonnie Wagner (Friend) 2025-01-31 18:53:27
My heart breaks for all that knew Marilyn. She will be missed. She was kind, loving and funny. I enjoyed many times sitting at the Knob with her and catching up. Marilyn made a huge impact on Stockbridge and for anyone who knew her. Thank you to the family for sharing Marilyn with all of us.
Lori Popp (Friend) 2025-01-30 09:14:14
Loved that women. Always enjoyed visiting with her at the bar. Condolences to all.
Steve and Kathy Hemauer (Friends) 2025-01-30 07:56:48
I loved your mom. She was the sweetest lady.
Mary Jo Schneider (Friend ) 2025-01-30 07:31:04
My sympathy to the family Her and Lyle were always nice when I delivered at the knob God Bless your family
Squeak G (UPS Driver for 25 years) 2025-01-29 19:03:07
Marilyn and Lyle were like having another mom and dad and the entire family treated me like one of their own during the time I worked at the Knob. Tony and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Levknecht family.
Dawn and Tony Dohr (Friends) 2025-01-29 15:57:32
Marilyn was a joy to visit when we stopped at the Knob. She was always so upbeat and happy. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of her family.
Rog & Linda Meyers (Friend) 2025-01-29 14:35:53
Our sincerest condolences to you all! Your mom and dad were such wonderful people; great friends, always happy and welcoming with a smile and maybe a joke! You are right, Marilyn was beautiful, inside and out. Sheand your dad will be remembered forever by our family as very special friends. Our prayers are with you.
Brad & Barb Kruger (Friends) 2025-01-29 10:03:30
My sincere sympathies to the entire Levknecht family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Pethan (Friend) 2025-01-29 07:45:09
Grandma was an amazing person who whenever we came by, she would greet us with open arms, literally. Of course after some time she couldn’t do any of that anymore, and only now do I realize I should’ve savored those moments with her then. Say hi to Grandpa up there!
Cashton Lee (Grandson (Son of Melanie)) 2025-01-28 22:34:02
Levknecht Family We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I have fond memories of the days of baby sitting for Marilyn and Lyle on Friday nights when they would catch a movie and ship. So much fun. Marilyn was a great support for me when I needed it and I will never forget her and Lyles kindness. Praying and thinking of all of you. June
Glenn & June (Wagner) Kielgas (Old friend and baby sitter) 2025-01-28 17:04:01
Our sympathy to the Levknecht family. It was always great to see Marilyn whenever we went to Gobblers Knob always a big hello and a big smile. Gone from here but forever in you heart. Sending prayers and hugs
Harry and Paula Schneider (Friends of Cindy and Steve Bowe) 2025-01-28 16:54:44
Want to extend my deepest sympathies to the entire family. Your mother was an amazing woman and such an easy person to strike up a conversation with. She will be sorely missed. Sending hugs to you all.
Gail Zastrow (Friend) 2025-01-28 14:51:14
To the whole Levknecht family, We are so sorry to hear of Marilyn's death.such a history of knowing most of you & being at the Knob, wonderful memories.God bless you all, cherish the memories.
Margie & Jerry Flannigain (Friends ) 2025-01-28 08:57:12
Brian and family. So very sorry for your family's loss. What a wonderful lady, our sympathy to you all!
Gloria Chuck Maurer (Friend) 2025-01-27 19:44:48
The Levknechts: Each and every one of you are special to us. Why? Because of Lyle and Marilyn. Their influence carries on through you. Keep their spirits alive through you. BTW Is there room in the casket for Marilyn’s stump fiddle?
Sue and Chuck Kleinhans (Friends for 40 years. ) 2025-01-27 09:06:20
My deepest sympathies for a unique and lovely lady. Oh how she will be missed. Kay
Kay Ann Schroven (family friend/neighbor) 2025-01-27 08:51:05
Hugs to the entire Levknecht family. Such a wonderful lady who will be missed by all.
Lisa Manz (Family Friend ) 2025-01-26 21:38:43
Thoughts and prayers and hugs to the Levknecht family at this time. Marilyn can now be with her boyfriend, ie husband, and all her dreams will come true. She will be smiling down on each of you.
Ann Rusch (Friend) 2025-01-26 21:25:54
Our sincere condolences to all of Marilyn's family. She was such a pleasure to visit with, truly sweet, charming and caring. She will be deeply missed by all. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Claudia & Larry Tonge (Knob Friends) 2025-01-26 18:21:22
She was a beautiful person she baby sat me when I was younger she was the the best I miss seeing her at restaurant But she lived a good life someday I meet her in heaven?
Todd sell (Freind ) 2025-01-26 16:26:14
Brian and family, so sorry for your loss.Your Mom was a wonderful person
Don and Johanna Bonlander (Friends) 2025-01-26 14:32:11
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Edward Meyers (Friend) 2025-01-26 14:29:09
My condolences goes out to the family she was a great lady I won't forget the day I had my wedding at the knob they were right there making sure we had the food it sure was a great place to eat she and her husband were the happy jolly people may she rest in peace and be free of pain God gained a wonderful angel.
Michelle goeser swette (Friend) 2025-01-26 14:18:20
My deepest sympathy to the entire Levknecht family. Marilyn and Lyle were so kind when we first moved here. They took in my son as one of their own grandkids and he would love to go over and play with Lincoln Logs.
Lynn Schmechel (Friend) 2025-01-26 12:36:40
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have very fond memories of her. She was a very special lady. Please accept my condolences to all of your family.
Mark Hoaglund (Friend) 2025-01-26 12:26:56
My sincere condolences to the Levknecht family. Your Mom was a beautiful lady. Your family will be missed by the residents of Homestead. You brought a lot of light into their lives.
Patty Moehn (Friend of family) 2025-01-26 11:42:31
Our condolences to the Levknect family. She was always fun to talk to when we went to the Knob. Always a sassy comment, a great lady.
Frank & Marlene Schneider (Friends from the Knob) 2025-01-26 11:00:11
Levknecht Family, Your mother…..I can’t even express how awesome of a person she is. I spent many of sleep over nights with Marilyn and Lyle. Dave and I at one time attached at the elbow. I cannot say how much she means to me. Rest in peace Great Lady. To Dave and the Family my deepest condolences. Todd
Todd Rohloff (Friend (she was just like mom to me)) 2025-01-26 10:55:40
May God's comfort surround all that loved her. She is with Lyle and Bob now. May they all rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to all.
Roman and Mary Daun (Friend of the family) 2025-01-26 09:25:28
She was a treasure from Heaven. God Bless all her children. AMEN
Carol Buelow (Friend) 2025-01-26 09:23:50
We are so, so sorry our dear friends. Your beautiful Mother was an incredible person who along with Lyle, raised an amazing family! We share your pain. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your entire families.
Ron and Amy Muellenabch (Friends of the family. Laurie and John Broeren and family ) 2025-01-26 09:15:15
My sincere condolences the Levknecht family. What a kind and loving woman she was. She was also so much fun. I remember when Marilyn, Pat, Carole, and Ellen would start telling jokes. They would have the Knob in hysterics. She was definitely someone I looked up too. I will miss her.
Kathy Kuhn (Family Friend ) 2025-01-26 09:02:03
I have known Marylin since The 80’s. Very very nice person.
Sandy Dietz (Friend ) 2025-01-26 08:42:29
What a great women Heaven has gained, she was always one of my favorites. May the family live with the fondest memories. RIP Marilyn.
Doris Bennin (friend) 2025-01-26 08:20:11
Sincere sympathies to the family. Such a wonderful person with so much personality. Great memories. Remember all the memories with fun and laughter.
Karen Juckem (Friend) 2025-01-26 07:44:12
What a beautiful woman. Your Mom gave me my 1st job and always welcomed me with open arms every time I came home. She had a heart of gold and such a beautiful smile. Hold onto all the memories. She was so loved. My condolences to all of the family.
Peggy Sarno (Gerhartz) (Family Friend) 2025-01-26 06:12:10
My deepest condolences to all of the Levknecht and Meyer families. Marilyn was such a beacon of light in this world. May her light continue to shine in each of her children. Her smile and laughter will forever be remembered.
Doreen (Wilson) Nisleit (Friend) 2025-01-26 04:11:00
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