Sylvia Ann (Purcell) Rupnow, age 91, of Ft. Atkinson formerly of Monroe passed in peace on August 11, 2025. She was born the daughter of James and Marguerite (Doll) Hughes on July 7, 1934 in Freeport. She was a graduate of Stockton High School. Sylvia was a devoted wife to the late Gerald Purcell from July 21, 1953 until his passing on June 30, 1991. She was later united in marriage to Richard Rupnow on June 3, 1995, they shared 24 years together until his passing on October 9, 2019.
Sylvia was an Administrative Assistant at the Monroe Clinic before starting her career at JC Penny’s in Monroe until her retirement. She was a long-time member of St. Victor’s Catholic Church of Christ the King Pastorate, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Sylvia’s family and faith were the most important things in her life. She cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and sharing her love of God with them.
Sylvia was a master at orchestrating large family gatherings. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed traveling all over the world. She will be dearly missed by The Ladies of the Round Table, where she enjoyed coffee and fellowship with friends.
Sylvia was the loving mother of her children, Dee (Bob) Lorenz, Lorrie (Gerrit) DeBruin, Vicky (Dave) Schneider, Gerry Purcell, Colleen Purcell, Steve (Lori) Purcell, Kathy (Tom) Bohn, Kevin (Lori) Purcell, and Cindy (Dan) Vickerman; and the adoring Grandma to 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; grandson, Austin; and siblings, Thelma Clancy, Eugene Hughes, and Janette Schlichting.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Victor’s Catholic Church with Father Garrett Kau as celebrant. Burial will follow service in Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at church on Saturday, from 9:30AM until the time of the service.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
