Marlis Kapfenstein

LANARK – The Eastland Cougars have lost one of their most loyal fans. Marlis Kapfenstein, 87, of Lanark, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025 at FHN Hospital in Freeport. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering community spirit, a love for family, and a seat forever reserved among the "Big Four" at Cougar games.

Marlis was born on December 21, 1938, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the daughter of William and Alice (Manon) Duba. She attended a one-room country school through eighth grade and graduated from Ethan High School in 1956.

As a young single mother, she made the difficult decision to give her newborn son, Greg, a better life through adoption. She later married Donald Kapfenstein on March 1, 1959, and together they had two daughters. In 1960, they moved to Carroll County, Illinois, where they built a life together. Marlis and Don faced heartache in 1980 when they lost their daughter, Jodeen, after an accident in Texas—one of the hardest moments of her life. After Marlis and Don divorced in 1997, Marlis moved to Lanark, where she poured her heart into the community and became one of the Eastland Cougars’ most devoted fans.

Whether celebrating championships or offering encouragement after tough losses, Marlis was always there. She was a fixture at the games, cheering alongside her fellow diehard fans, the last of the "Big Four." Even when her health no longer allowed her to attend, her heart remained in the stands.

Marlis worked for 32 years in local insurance offices, including those of Rex Lower, Val Warner Clausen, Curt Merchant, and Rhett Coatney. She retired in 2011. She also served as the Freedom Township clerk for 12 years and was a longtime member of the 4-C’s Club. She was a member of the Lanark United Methodist Church. In retirement, she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and cryptograms. A cancer survivor, she was actively involved in Relay for Life, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to helping others.

Friends describe Marlis as a joy to be around, full of wit and warmth. She had a great laugh, a sharp mind, and a heart that made life worthwhile for those around her. She treasured her friendships with Richard and Deb Delp, and especially her daily conversations with her dear friend, Carla Eaton.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Julie (Kent) Schoeny of Shannon; three grandsons, Bryan (Chelsea) Schoeny, Tad (Emily) Schoeny, and Jake (Laikyn) Schoeny; nine great-grandchildren, Audrey, Brody, Sawyer, Nora, Stella, Lyla, Titus, Thea, and Oaklie; and her son by birth, Greg Lee (Renee Moysis) of South Dakota. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Jodeen Lee Rollinger; her brother, Duane (Pearl) Duba of South Dakota; and her parents.

The entire Eastland community will miss Marlis. Her seat at the games may be empty, but her spirit will echo through the cheers of every Cougar fan. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Lanark United Methodist Church with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Private burial of ashes will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll at a later date. Memorials may be given in her honor for an Eastland High School scholarship.