Louise E. Knepper

In Memory OfLouise E. KnepperLouise Elizabeth Knepper was born on November 10, 1905 on a farm near Flush, Kansas to John and Anna (Ebenhoeh) Helget and died July 10, 2007 at Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend at the age of 101 years and 8 months. She was next to the youngest of nine children. In 1914 the family moved to Beaver Crossing, Nebraska where Louise graduated as class valedictorian in 1925. She was united in marriage to Eldon Knepper on June 11, 1935 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Beaver Crossing, and to this union a daughter Alice and a son Jay were born. Earning her Normal Teaching Certificate, Louise began her teaching career in Seward County country schools and later taught in Thomas County country schools. She retired in 1967 after teaching her final 14 years at Beaver Crossing Public Schools. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Altar Society, it's Holy Hour Adoration Society and Living Rosary, and the Mission Sewing Group, all of Beaver Crossing. Louise served her church in many ways including Baltimore Catechism and CCD teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Nebraska State Education Association and National Education Association. Louise was a wonderful seamstress and in her retirement years altered clothing for many in the community, often completing alterations in an afternoon for a special occasion that evening. Louise was an avid Nebraska Football Fan, and enjoyed following her grandson, Mark Rotter's successful high school football coaching career. She was able to live in her own home until at the age of 97 Louise moved into the Friend Manor. She knew her self-worth and was very content with herself and to be alone in her home. Her family was very important and she was always at home ready and waiting for a phone call from any member of her family. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alice and James Rotter, Firth, son Jay Knepper, Beatrice, daughter-in-law, Karen Knepper, Beatrice, eight grandchildren, David Rotter, Alan Rotter, Mark & Amy Rotter, John & Tamra Rotter, Janet Stokebrand and her husband Doug, Darin & Anja Knepper, Craig Knepper, Lisa Robertson and her husband Mark, ten great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Mary Helget, Deighton, KS, Delma Helget, Friend, and Maxine Knepper, Thedford, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Mary Kuskie, brothers, Gallus, Antone, Frank, Wensel, Andrew, John and Pete Helget, and Eldon Knepper. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Beaver Crossing with Fr. Maurice Current officiating assisted by Fr. David Bourek. Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. prior to service at church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Beaver Crossing. Visitation will be from 9am ? 9pm on Friday, July 13, 2007 at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Beaver Crossing. Visitation Saturday beginning at 9 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorials have been established to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Centennial Public Schools. Donna Harding, organist, accompanied the congregation, led by Cantor, Angie Medow, as they sang "Be Not Afraid", "Bessed Are They", Here I Am, Lord" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". The pallbearers are David, Alan, Mark and John Rotter, Lisa Robertson, Janet Stokebrand, Darin and Craig Knepper. The gift bearers are James and Elizabeth Timerlake, William and Megan Stokebrand. Larry Hamling served as Acolyte and Lector. Altar Boys were Mitchell Coffey and Aaron Kessler.