Lynne A. Kuepper

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Lynne A. Kuepper, 85, of Shawano, passed away peacefully to walk joyfully with God on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Filled with the love and power of music all her life, she’d play from memory any song requested without hesitation — even far into her battle with Alzheimer’s. She shared her gifts and played the piano until God called her home to accompany the heavenly choir.

Lynne was born Aug. 8, 1935, to Anders and Esther (Chronquist) Folstad. She lived her early life in Barron, moving across the border to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in music education. She met her husband, Richard Kuepper, when both were counselors at Camp Lannon Fields Farm in Lannon. She was the archery instructor (it seemed to her like it was something she should be able to do).

The couple were married on June 13, 1959, in Barron. They raised two daughters and were blessed with two granddaughters whom she often lulled to sleep singing “You Are My Sunshine,” a happy memory they carry with them today.

Lynne shared her love of life and music with others freely, whether through teaching, friendship, or playing piano at the hospital to brighten the day of anyone who happened to walk by. Starting her teaching career in Beloit, Lynne also taught in Madison and Clintonville, eventually settling her family in Shawano in 1970, teaching elementary music and taking on individual piano students. She taught cooking in summer school and was known for her pies, even selling one at auction for $300.

Lynne tried retiring once but didn’t like it, so she went back to work teaching in Gresham for a few years. She was the first to call on new neighbors, and she belonged to the bridge club but didn’t really like bridge. It was the people (and the dessert) she enjoyed. The Corning-ware coffee pot was always on for any who stopped by unexpectedly.

While soft spoken, Lynne had a quick wit. When greeting John Rutter, her favorite composer, she simply said, “I like most of your music.” Lynne always had a dog with her on her daily walks, keeping in shape by running after them. She was always moving and traveled whenever possible, traveling to Brazil, Scandinavia and Germany for a tour of J.S. Bach’s homeland. Where she couldn’t go, she and Richard brought to them by hosting exchange students: Karen Israelsson from Sweden, Marcia Costa from Brazil, Astrid Solberg from Norway and Jussi Toivonen from Finland.

Lynne is survived by her husband, Richard, of Shawano; her daughters, Wendy (Jon) Kofoot, of Savage, Minnesota, and Kathy (Dan) Braun, of Shawano; her granddaughters, Haanah Braun, of Northfield, Minnesota, and Maris Braun, of Seattle, Washington, and her international family who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anders and Esther Folstad.

Due to the coronavirus, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials to honor Lynne are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or Heartland Hospice.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to those who cared for Lynne during her journey with Alzheimer’s — Jean Lamers and Brandon Wegner for their loving care while she was still able to be home, the staff at the Cottages Memory Care Unit and the staff of Heartland Hospice.

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