Neill A. Stoppleworth
Neill A. Stoppleworth, 90, of Oakfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on October 15, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1935, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin to Leo and Leona Stoppleworth. Neill was one of six children. He attended St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains through 6th grade, before moving with his family to Oakfield, where he attended Oak Center School, and later graduated from Oakfield High School.
Little did he know that it was in Oakfield he would meet the love of his life – the neighbor girl with the fancy scooter, Marlene.
Following school, Neill proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country from December 1954 to December 1956, a veteran of 2nd Infantry Division and 63rd Military Police Battalion. During his deployment, he was stationed at Bikini Island Atoll in the Pacific, where he oversaw nuclear hydrogen bomb testing as a member of the military police.
Neill would return home to Oakfield, where he would marry his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Marlene [Beirne] Stoppleworth, on July 6th, 1957. Together, they shared 68 years of devoted and joyful marriage, a true partnership built on love, laughter, and family.
Neill worked for his father’s excavating company, Stoppleworth Construction, starting in 1957, and became the owner in 1968. He dedicated more than four decades to the family business before retiring in 2000. In 1983, Neill and Marlene purchased a cherished cottage on Fox Lake, where they spent nearly thirty years enjoying the company of family and friends, making memories that will be cherished forever.
In retirement, he found great joy in woodworking and crafted beds for each of his grandchildren, outdoor furniture for family and friends, and countless other beautiful pieces. He also loved traveling with friends and family, took great pride in maintaining his lawn to the perfection of a golf course, enjoyed fishing, and was an avid reader.
Neill’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother – a man whose humor and warmth touched everyone around him. His quick wit and infectious smile could light up any room, and he never missed a moment to share his wisdom or a good laugh. Whether it was celebrating holidays, playing cards around the kitchen table, or making his signature “knock-your-socks-off” scrambled eggs, Neill treasured every moment spent with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was the heart of his family – a beacon of love, laughter, and strength. His spirit will forever live on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the countless lives he so deeply touched.
Preceding Neill in death were his parents, Leo and Leona Stoppleworth; his brothers, Paul, Alan, and Leland.
Those left to cherish Neill’s memory are his wife, Marlene Stoppleworth; his brothers, Jim and Gary; his children, Joe (Lisa), Mary (Ed), and Tim (Lisa); his grandchildren, Drew (Brandon), Haley (Adam), Sam (Jenna), Owen, and Kallie (Kaleb); step-grandchild Bryce; his great-grandchildren, Jax, Jensen, and Mila. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 20th, from 9am to 11am at St. James Catholic Church, 101 N. Main St, Oakfield, WI. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow, with burial at Avoca Cemetery in Oakfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Oakfield Historical Society Veterans Memorial Fund, honoring Neill’s pride in his family, community, and service to the country.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the SSM Hospice staff for their compassionate care and support during Neill’s final days.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.