Jean Knoche
March 25, 1934 - May 18, 2025
Obituary
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
Events
Visitation
Fri May 23, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Peter Catholic Church • 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri May 23, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Peter Catholic Church • 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Photos
Memories
JW
Jean (Mathiak) Walker
Friend •
I worked with Jean in Directory Assistance at Ma Bell. She was always so kind and made the shifts seem shorter. I can still hear her talking and laughing. My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. She certainly was one of a kind.
DW
Donna Woodman
Coworker •
We lived across the street from Jean on Eliot la and when our unexpected twins were born her daughter Kim came to the rescue.Everyday after school She came to help .Jean knew how much work babies were .Plus I was working at Ma Bell along with Jean.She was a great gal .RIP
SG
Shirah Gray
Family •
Deepest condolences to the extended Knoche family. I’m sorry I didn’t see this sooner. Jean sent my parents letters and of course Wisconsin cheese , when Kim moved to Mastic with Seth. I can remember meeting Jean at the shower for Kim before Lauren arrived on this earth. She was kind and gracious and welcoming. I am very sorry for her loss.
KG
Kathy Gragg
Friend •
Condolences to the Knoche family. Jean was a very kind person and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Heaven welcomes her I’m sure.
KW
Kevin Walske
Friend •
As a heating contractor, it was a privilege to have taken care of Jim and Jean’s heating and cooling system over the years. Whenever I went there, I always scheduled extra time in my day because the fun conversations took longer than the service itself. Thank you for being a customer and a friend.
CM
Carol Marquis
Friend •
I worked with Jean in Directory Assistance at Ma Bell. We had so much fun and laughter together. My favorite memory is singing Silver Bells to her at Christmas time. Is was the horrible way in which I sang to her that cracked us both up!!! I've thought of her countless times over the years. Rest easy dear Jean. You made working in DA bearable!! Love you sweet lady!!!