Mary Lou Karnopp

Mary Lou Karnopp (née Barbiaux), 72, of Luxemburg, passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was born on September 13th, 1952, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay to Jonas and Lucille (Lemens) Barbiaux. Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

She married the love of her life, Arlin Karnopp on October 31st, 1970, and together they raised five children: Candy (Steve Hanmann), Angie (Mike Peterson), Kate (Bruce Kinjerski), Rob (Nicole Schultz), and Dusty (Danielle Brey). Family was Mary Lou's greatest joy, and she was a proud grandmother to Madison (Jordan Jadin), Emma, Lydia, Sophie, Bella, Abby, Ryker, Ainsley, Flora, and Vivienne. She also delighted in her role as great-grandmother to Hayes. Mary Lou was also known as "Grandma" to a special little girl named Avery, who held a very important place in her heart.

Mary Lou had a heart for caregiving, a passion she lived out through her career as a registered nurse. She served as the night supervisor at Bornemann's Nursing Home and later transitioned to home health care with Clarity Care before retiring. Even in retirement, Mary Lou continued to share her expertise by instructing Med Pass and Trachea Care classes. Her nurturing spirit and generous nature touched many lives throughout her career and beyond.

An avid sports fan, Mary Lou especially enjoyed following Kewaunee Athletics and cheering on her favorite football teams. However, her greatest passion was spending time with her family, attending her grandchildren's events, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most.

Mary Lou's faith was the cornerstone of her life. Baptized on September 21st, 1952, she had her first communion on April 24th, 1960, and was confirmed on May 26th, 1963. She spent over 30 years teaching Sunday school at St. Paul Lutheran Church and was an active member of the flower and altar guilds, the Funeral Lunch Committee, and the Quilting Committee. Alongside her husband, she also served as the church custodian for many years.

As her mobility declined in recent years, her husband, Arlin, lovingly took care of her at home, ensuring she remained surrounded by the comfort of family.

In her final act of selflessness, Mary Lou made the generous choice of being a donor, ensuring that countless others will have the opportunity for better lives through her gift. Her legacy of compassion and care will continue to touch lives even after her passing.

Mary Lou will be remembered as a kind, loving, and selfless woman who gave endlessly to others. Her strength, intelligence, and sense of humor brought joy and comfort to everyone who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mary's Cardiology Team, Physical Therapy Team, and the 2nd Floor Care Team at Bellin for the excellent care and compassion Mary Lou received in her final days.

Mary Lou is also survived by her loving siblings: LuAnne (John) Kaye, Bob (Janie) Barbiaux, Sue (Ken) Davister, Bill (Nancy) Barbiaux, Kathy (Pete) VanDeHey, Debbie (Dennis) Mercier, and Janelle (Jeff) Zoeller. She is further survived by her cherished in-laws: Nolan (June) Karnopp, Neil (Brenda) Karnopp, and Shelley Karnopp, as well as several aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Lucille Barbiaux; her in-laws, Elton & Vernis Karnopp; her brother Joseph; her daughter Angie; her brother in-laws, Merle & Dean; her niece Jennifer; her nephew Kraig; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 4th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Luxemburg, 700 Heritage Rd, with a prayer service starting at 6:45. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., also at St. John Lutheran Church. Following the service, the committal will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church cemetery, Montpelier.

Kinnard Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the Karnopp family. Online condolence messages can be shared at KinnardFCS.com