Mary Lou Knippling

Mary Lou Knippling, 78, of Gann Valley, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2017 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller. Burial followed at St. Placidus Cemetery, Duncan. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2017 followed by a 6:30 p.m. rosary and prayer service, all at the church.

On March 8, 1938, Mary Louise was born at home in Kennebec, SD to Nels and Margaret (Lippens) Johnson. At age 3 the family moved to Mitchell, SD. She attended Norte Dame Catholic grade school and high school in Mitchell, SD. She attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. She walked everywhere and didn’t learn how to drive until her husband Donald taught her.

Mary Lou met Donald Knippling at Ray’s Western Wear in Chamberlain. She was working at the Abstract Company there at the time. Donald asked her out and to supper at the Legion Club that evening. They were married on May 16, 1959 and to this union five children were born. She kept the accounting books for the ranch corporation for over 40 years. She was very active in the planning and preparation of the annual bull sale.

Mary Lou was an amazing cook and often cooked for a table full of hired hands. Every grand kid fought for a loaf of her raisin bread. She was an avid reader, loved to discuss politics and always helped with election polls every year. She was active in Altar Society, parish women, 4-H and taught catechism. She often out fished her husband, Donald. Mary Lou loved her grandkids and great-grandkids and was so proud of all the accomplishments and loved to tell everyone about them.

Grateful to have shared in her life was her husband, Donald of 57 ½ years; children: Allan (Mary) Knippling of Gann Valley, Suzanne (Bill Davis) Ferguson of Sioux Falls, Jeanne Knippling of Bemidji, MN, Tim (Brandi) Knippling of Huron, Jackie (Mike) Dalzell of Ekalaka, MT; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Nels and Margaret Johnson; sisters: Colleen Nesladek and Carol Byrne; three granddaughters: Natalie, Delaney and Sydney, son-in-law: Durward “Woody” Lang.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials directed to South Dakota Right to Life, 314 S Central Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary Lou’s arrangements.