"Rich and I are so sorry to hear this. We are out of town or would be there. She now has her Angel Wings and is watching y'all each and every day. Prayers to all."
In loving memory of
Mildred "Millie" Knoepke
March 13, 1938 - June 26, 2020
Mildred R. Knoepke "Millie", 82, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020 surrounded by her family.
Born in Faribault, MN on March 13, 1938 to Rudolph "Rudy" and Mildred (Wickum) Sortedahl, she was raised in Kenyon MN and graduated from Kenyon HS in 1956. On April 5th, 1958, Millie married Kenneth Knoepke at the Holden Lutheran Church in Kenyon.
Millie began her career at Rochester Methodist Hospital, working as a nursing assistant before taking a break to raise her four boys. She then was employed at IBM for 15 years, working in the cafeteria, secretarial support, and manufacturing areas.
Millie and Ken loved traveling, visiting all 50 states, Europe, and wintering in South Padre Island, TX for 19 years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was actively present in their lives. Millie enjoyed crocheting, making each of her grandchildren a special afghan to treasure.
Millie is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Ken; four sons, Kevin (Jean) of Rochester, Darren (Nancy) of Rochester, Dan (Nancy) of Shawnee, KS and Tom (Shannon) of Rochester; grandchildren, Chris, Matt, Joe, Ryan, Nicole, Nate, Jack and Jay; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Cora and Calum. Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy and Mildred.
A celebration of Millie's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Safety guidelines and masks will be required for all services. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Paws and Claws. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Knoepke family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Kenny, your Classmates of 1953 send their deepest condolences upon the loss of your wife, Millie. We got to know her at class reunions. She was a good sport to put up with all of us. We are keeping you in our prayers. From Donna Mae Tucker and Marion Griffin."
"Growing up with the Dan and Tom, so many happy memories of the Knoepke family and Millie. She was an incredible person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Ken--Bob Adams here--I am sorry for your loss--I wish there was something I could say or do when these sad things happen. My thought and prayers are with you and your family. God be with Millie in to a new and better life. "
"millie was a beautiful, fun soul! will miss our get-togethers at whistle binkies with faith, darlene, and the gang. may you all smile at her cherished memories ?"
"Her personality lit up the room. She always made you feel welcome no matter when or where. She was a true treasure. I will miss her!"
"Ken, I am saddened to here of Millie?s passing. I will always remember the good times we all had in SPI and Millie?s beautiful smile!"
"Millie came into my life when Nancy & Dan got married and we have shared many family times leading to memories I will treasure forever....It?s been a wonderful adventure with our kids and grandkids...I will miss you Millie!"
"Millie came into my life when Nancy & Dan got married and we have shared many family times leading to memories I will treasure forever....It?s been a wonderful adventure with our kids and grandkids...I will miss you Millie!"
"Ken and your family, you are all in our prayers and please know that we offer our sympathy to you in the loss of your wonderful, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Millie was a long time special friend of ours and a very special lady. We have so many memories of great times with Millie and Ken both in Rochester and during our times on South Padre Island. She and Ken were a big part of our lives and even though we do not live close, we would look forward each year to spending time with Millie and Ken during our visits back to Rochester. Millie was loved by us and will be missed. Eloise and Larry Laugen, Loveland, Co."