Barbara Knoepfler

SIOUX CITY/MADISON, WI
Barb Knoepfler 85, passed away peacefully on October 28 in Madison Wisconsin.

Barb was born Barbara Jean Allen on November 6, 1928 in Storm Lake Iowa and grew up surrounded by family in and around the Storm Lake area. Barb and her brother Jim frequently visited and stayed with family in Storm Lake and Cherokee, trips they both loved immensely. Despite the hardships of the time, her family life was full of joy, humor, and great warmth. Barb loved to tell about falling sound asleep on the couch in the midst of a loud raucous family card game of Pitch or Hearts.

Barb is preceded in death by her spouse, Jim Knoepfler, parents Lois and Harland 'Fritz' Allen and brother Jim. As her family, we are thrilled to know she has joined each of them and many other loving friends and family in Heaven.

Barb graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1947 and went on to graduate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls (Now the University of Northern Iowa).

Barb began her teaching career in LaPorte City where she taught 3rd grade. She told many stories of the kids from her class and her lifelong love of children was certainly nurtured. This also provided great training for years of playing school with Grandkids later in her life. During this time, Barb met a young attorney, Jim Knoepfler who she went on to marry in 1950. Together they started their life in Charles City, Iowa, a life that spanned over 59 years.

In 1952, Barb and Jim moved to Sioux City when Jim joined his Uncle, Duane Kidder at the Chevrolet dealership, Miller-Kidder Chevrolet.

Together, they raised and are survived by their four children, Charlie (Christy), Bill (Jackie), Katherine (William) and Jim (Cathy). Additionally, Barb and Jim are survived by six grandkids, Ben (Maryann), Joe (Rachel), Abbie, Sam, Madison and Jackson as well as two great grandchildren, Ellis and Ollie.

Barb was active in many organizations around Sioux City including PTA, Questors, Junior League, PEO, and in her church, First Congregational Church. In addition, Barb enjoyed numerous activities and was an avid gardener, golfer as well as a member of several bridge clubs. Barb was also a wonderful cook and often proclaimed that she ran a 'One Woman Kitchen' and it was smart to stay out of her way!

Barb particularly loved the holidays and was thrilled with the chaos of having a house full of family during Christmas.

Barb was fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the world during her life, including Europe, Asia, and Australia, but her favorite trips were family vacations to Blanche Lake Minnesota.

Barb loved dogs and always had them in her life. In fact she had her little Papillon 'Princess' by her side even in her final days.

Over the past five years, Barb battled Alzheimer's disease. Although it is a relentless disease, Barb never lost her sense of humor and spent her last couple of years very content and happy.

Barb's family would like to give special thanks to the tremendous care and friendship Barb received from the staff and residents at Oakwood Village in Madison Wisconsin during the last years of her life. Her experience at Oakwood Village went far beyond that as a resident and reflected a true caring and loving community. Similarly, the care Barb received by Home Health United Hospice in the end was full of warmth and love.

In lieu of flowers any memorial may be made as a donation to the Congregational Church in Sioux City or to Home Health United Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin.

Services will be at 11 a.m., November 15, 2014 at First Congregational Church in Sioux City. A lunch reception will follow. A visitation will begin one hour prior to service. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
_____________________________________

MADISON/SIOUX CITY
Barbara A. Knoepfler passed away peacefully October 27, 2014 with the loving support of family at her side.

Barbara was born Barbara Jean Allen, November 6, 1928 in Storm Lake Iowa. She and her brother Jim were raised in a home that always had an open door to friends, family and occasional stray pets. Despite the hardships of the time, Barbara grew up in a family that valued humor, love, connectedness and last but not least, dogs.

Barbara graduated from Iowa State Teacher's College (now the University of Northern Iowa) and began teaching 3rd grade in La Porte City, Iowa. She cherished her students and always had an open heart and helping hand to those in need. During this time, Barbara met and married a handsome young attorney, James C. Knoepfler. They moved to Sioux City, Iowa where James joined a family Chevrolet dealership. Together they raised and are survived by their four children, Charlie (Christy), Bill (Jackie), Katherine (William) and Jim (Cathy), six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brother and spouse.

In the last five years of her life, Barbara had Alzheimer's disease. She and her beloved Papillion, "Princess" moved to Madison to be near her daughter and resided at Oakwood Village (Covenant Memory Care). Barbara's final years of life were joyful ones and she will be remembered for her warm smile. The staff at Covenant treated her as family, the love and care she received was exceptional. Home Health United Hospice also lovingly cared for Barbara and her family. They provided deeply comforting support for the physical and spiritual needs of Barbara and her family.

Barbara's family would like to thank the staff at Covenant Memory Care and Home Health United Hospice for the exceptional care Barbara received.

Cress Funeral Home
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434