Jean Knoche

Madison - Jean Ellen Knoche, 91, of Madison, WI, entered eternal rest on May 18, 2025. Born on March 25, 1934 in Madison, WI; she was the daughter of Sherman and Gladys (Carr) Karnes. Jean was a graduate of Central High School. 

On September 12, 1953 she married James Knoche in Dubuque, IA. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2012. 

As a stay-at-home mom, she served as a Cub Scout den mother and co-president of Lakeview Elementary School’s PTA. She began her career as a telephone operator at Wisconsin Bell (“Ma Bell”) in 1968, retiring as an administrative assistant in 1989. She enjoyed Pioneer lunches after her retirement. Jean was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church as well as Madison Elks Club 410.  A loyal sports enthusiast, she was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Badger Hockey. 

Jean was a 22-year survivor of Stage III bladder cancer. She maintained a strong will to live.

Jean is survived by her children: son Rick (Yvonne) Knoche of McFarland; daughters Laura Knoche of Madison and Kim Zupkoff of Paddock Lake; blessed with eight grandchildren: Jenna and Nicholas Knoche; JJ and Lisa Rezner; Lauren, Andrew and Marilyn Zupkoff; six great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Marcelo) Peinado of Lake Mills; special niece, Marisol Peinado; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. 

Along with her loving husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by her beloved son Joe; cherished granddaughter Katherine Zupkoff; son-in-law Seth Zupkoff; sisters Mary Feuling and Pat Karnes. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bladder Cancer Research in care of the American Cancer Society, Madison Public Library or Agrace Hospice Care.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, May 23, 2025, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 10am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rebecca and Danielle from Agrace and especially Saffi at the Sonnet of Tennyson for their care and support.

To view a livestream of Jean's service, please go to, https://www.facebook.com/StPeterMadison/videos. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257