Iolyn K. Plagenz, age 82, of Markesan, passed away peacefully at Berlin Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Iolyn was born on May 18, 1938, in Markesan, the daughter of Gladys (Welk) and C. Floyd Mielke. Iolyn grew up in the house built by her grandfather. She started dating Lyle Plagenz in high school. After graduating from Markesan High School in 1956, Iolyn went on to attend North Central College in the Chicago suburbs. She received a Home Economics degree. For nearly sixty years she maintained contact with many of her college classmates through a round robin letter exchange.

On July 23, 1960, she married Lyle. When they were first married, they lived in Madison and Iolyn took a position teaching in Waunakee. In 1966, they moved back to Markesan where they lived in the same house for 54 years, raising their three children David, Ellen, and Tim.

Her biggest love was her family and even though she was small in stature, she was enormously proud of her children and grandchildren. She supported them in all that they did. It was because of Iolyn's rock solid management of the day-to-day affairs at home that she and Lyle were able to become very involved in the community. A true team effort.

Some of Iolyn's many social activities and interests included KK Homemakers, Bridge Club, IOOF (a local club), School Board Conventions, and Kiwanis International Conventions. She also enjoyed summer family camping trips and the annual Easter outings at the Wilderness with her family.  She thoroughly loved spending time with everyone during these activities.

Iolyn was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kingston, Wisconsin. She was a lifetime supporter of the Markesan Kiwanis Club and Markesan School District and all its various activities. She also worked and volunteered at the Markesan Resident Home (formerly Riverdale), and she was a recipient of the Resident Homes' Volunteer of the Year Award.

Iolyn loved sports, following the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers religiously, or at least until they made her mad, and she turned off the TV and finished the game listening to the radio. She and Lyle had Badger football season tickets for over 60 years and basketball tickets since Bo Ryan came to town.

Iolyn is survived by three children, David (Marilee) Plagenz of Mondovi, Ellen (Skip) Walker of Markesan, and Tim (Lora) Plagenz of Markesan; six grandchildren, Kate and Brett Plagenz, Ryan and Nikki Walker, Megan and Craig Plagenz; siblings Sally (David) Lehtola, Carlton (Betty) Mielke; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle; her parents; and other relatives.

A private family funeral service for Iolyn will be held on Saturday, November 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Kingston and burial will take place at Kingston Cemetery.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.