Marilyn Faust

Marilyn Faust (nee Bauer), age 93, of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026.

Marilyn was born September 12, 1932 in West Bend, Wisconsin to Lawrence and Florence Bauer. After attending St. Mary’s Nursing School in Madison, she married Eustace Faust on June 30, 1951. He preceded her in death on May 14, 2007.

She met her second husband, Donald Knippel, through CatholicMatch.com and they were married on January 15, 2011. The blended family became a true Catholic family with 14 children. Don and “Mare” shared many adventurous and loving years together. His selfless care for her throughout her illness was appreciated more deeply than can be expressed.

Marilyn developed her love of gardening growing up in rural West Bend. Taught to be frugal, there was always a coupon or sale before shopping. She was a devoted mother, homemaker, and community volunteer, both in Florida and Brookfield. Notably, she volunteered for 20 years at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital in the recovery room, worked as an EMT for the Village of Elm Grove, ran a monthly blood pressure clinic and taught CPR. Marilyn was active in the Elm Grove Junior Guild and the Elm Grove League of Women Voters where many lasting friendships were formed. She held numerous other volunteer positions in Fort Pierce, Florida where she spent her winters. There were many family gatherings and dinners at the family’s vacation home on Lake Beulah. She enjoyed family cruises, especially the last one celebrating her 90th birthday. She is lovingly remembered for her doughnut making days with her children and grandchildren. As an avid baker, she made countless desserts and cookies. Many recipes will continue to be honored traditions in birthday celebrations and at family picnic dinners.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Donald Knippel; children Jeanne (Tom) Armstrong, Robert (Deirdre) Faust, John (Cheryl) Faust; and stepchildren Tom (Sally) Knippel, Donald R. Knippel, Jr. (Sheila Breyer), Dorothy Knippel, Michael Knippel (Laurie), Joan Magine (John), James Knippel (Claudia), Margaret Knippel (Todd Laycock), Robert Knippel (Wendy), Daniel Knippel (Cara Pappas). She was preceded in death by her son, Steven, and stepdaughter, Mary.

She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Marilyn will be remembered for her love of family, her sweet and gentle nature, faith in the Lord, and compassion for others.

The family sincerely thanks the caring staff of Aurora Zilber Hospice and Froedtert Hospital for the compassion, kindness and exceptional care they provided Marilyn.

A visitation will be held on Friday July 24, 2026 at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, 1260 Church St. Elm Grove, from 10 AM until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ALS Association of Wisconsin at https://www.als.org/wisconsin.