Karen Knippling
January 15, 1940 ~ March 25, 2011
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
Karen Kay Knippling, 71 of Wessington, SD courageously gave up her final fight on Friday, March 25, 2011 at her home in Wessington, SD with her family at her side. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 30 at the Wessington Auditorium with Fr. Chester Murtha officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 29 from 5:00-7:30 with a 7:30 scripture service all at the Wessington Auditorium. Burial will be at the Duncan Catholic Cemetery at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Karen was born January 15, 1940 in Miller, SD to Myron & Lila (Arbogast) Waring. She attended grade school at Lincoln school and graduated from Miller High School.
Karen married Francis Knippling on November 16, 1957 in Stephan, SD. They were ranchers their entire married life and she helped develop a top quality Quarter horse program. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for family and friends. Karen could accomplish anything she set her mind to including pursuing a career with the Fabulous Fabrics Company.
While raising her family, Karen still made time for many organizations such as the SD Quarter Horse Association and the SD Racing Horse Association and held positions with both. Francis and Karen were avid members of the South Dakota Rodeo Association. She was the executive secretary for many years and later the publicity director. She also served as the executive secretary for Mid-States Rodeo Association.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending rodeos with her husband and visiting with her rodeo friends, as they were the champions in her life. Karen was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wessington, SD.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband and best friend of 53 years, Francis Knippling of Wessington: children, Brenda (David) Reis, Oacoma, SD, Rocky (Donna) Knippling, Chamberlain, SD, Karla (Doug) Hofhenke, Huron, SD, Roxanne (Barry) Holm, Forbes, ND, Barry (Sherri) Knippling, Chamberlain, SD, Shannon (Scott) Dirk, Vale, SD. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and sisters, Sherris (Delmar) Harrell, Tualatin, OR, Sheila (Richard) Moore, Brinnon, WA.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, Myron & Lila Waring, and her brother Robert Waring.
Her love made our lives richer and our faith stronger.
Karen was born January 15, 1940 in Miller, SD to Myron & Lila (Arbogast) Waring. She attended grade school at Lincoln school and graduated from Miller High School.
Karen married Francis Knippling on November 16, 1957 in Stephan, SD. They were ranchers their entire married life and she helped develop a top quality Quarter horse program. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for family and friends. Karen could accomplish anything she set her mind to including pursuing a career with the Fabulous Fabrics Company.
While raising her family, Karen still made time for many organizations such as the SD Quarter Horse Association and the SD Racing Horse Association and held positions with both. Francis and Karen were avid members of the South Dakota Rodeo Association. She was the executive secretary for many years and later the publicity director. She also served as the executive secretary for Mid-States Rodeo Association.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending rodeos with her husband and visiting with her rodeo friends, as they were the champions in her life. Karen was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wessington, SD.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband and best friend of 53 years, Francis Knippling of Wessington: children, Brenda (David) Reis, Oacoma, SD, Rocky (Donna) Knippling, Chamberlain, SD, Karla (Doug) Hofhenke, Huron, SD, Roxanne (Barry) Holm, Forbes, ND, Barry (Sherri) Knippling, Chamberlain, SD, Shannon (Scott) Dirk, Vale, SD. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and sisters, Sherris (Delmar) Harrell, Tualatin, OR, Sheila (Richard) Moore, Brinnon, WA.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, Myron & Lila Waring, and her brother Robert Waring.
Her love made our lives richer and our faith stronger.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle