"That she lived her faith by helping others who needed describes her life so well. Her kindness will live on in others for generations to come."
In loving memory of
Angeline Knapek
May 10, 1930 - October 4, 2023
Angeline "Kiddo" Knapek was born on a Saturday at home on May 10, 1930 in Argonne, Wisconsin. She died at home on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. She was the 9th child born to Pearl and Abe Bessette. She married Edwin "Bud" Walrath on August 30, 1947 and they were blessed with 11 children. Bud preceded her in death on April 13, 1975. She married John Knapek on March 18, 1978 and welcomed 3 step-daughters. John preceded her in death on April 24, 1997. Between the two families, there are 14 children, 46 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren with 1 great-grandchild and 2 great-great-grandchildren on the way.
Angeline is survived by her children, William "Bill" (Pat) Walrath, Rose Boquist, Daniel (Betty) Walrath, Coralee (George) Sveda, Connie (Ronnie) Nelson, Abe (Cyndie) Walrath, Eva (Carl) Hohensee, Pearl (Butch) Maly, Ed (Ev) Walrath, Angie (Jim) Remington, and Dawn (Tim) Smith; step-daughters, Lynna Lawrence, Wendy (Jeff) Wayne, and JoAnn (David) Edwards; sister, MaryAnn Jezeski; adopted daughters, Karen Purmort and Susie Rogman; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bud Walrath and John Knapek; sons-in-law, Danny Joe Nelson, Bob Boquist, Fred Ballou, and David Lawrence; a grandson, Lucas Boquist; siblings, Lela Gretzinger, Leta Haines, Harvey Bessette, May Krusensterna, Mayme Jarvis, Pearl Bessette, Carol Krueger, Madeline Lockard, and Louise Bessette; and sisters-in-law, Lou, Arl, and Skip.
Angeline worked at the Cutlass Motor Lodge and did seasonal work for the Antigo Canning Factory. She was the Town of Peck Treasurer for many years and worked at the Peck voting polls. Angeline was a gifted seamstress. She designed and sewed wedding attire for her children and friends including bridal, miniature brides, attendants and flower girl dresses as well as miniature groom outfits. She also designed, baked, and decorated wedding cakes as well as creating the wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.
Angeline was very involved in the Bluebell Builders 4-H club. She was the sewing leader and designed and sewed all the outfits for club members participating in the numerous dance competitions. Angeline ran the Foot Clinic for the Department on Aging and was a President for the AARP. Angeline was instrumental in starting the town of Peck Fire Department and Women's Auxiliary. She lived her faith by helping her family, friends, and neighbors. Numerous nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children considered her their second mother. We simply knew her as Mum.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. Very Reverend Joel Sember will be officiating with Deacon Andy Bures assisting.
Visitation will be Monday, October 9 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home.
A private burial will take place at the Badger Cemetery, Town of Peck.
In lieu of flowers, Angeline requested all monetary donations be given to the Town of Peck Fire Department.
Tributes
"Angie was always so thoughtful of others, especially Olga. She raised a beautiful, caring family, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them. Sadly, she will be missed by many, however, I was blessed to have known someone who truly was inspirational in all respects. Rest in peace, Angie. Kathy Schultz"
"Aunt Kiddo was a favorite aunt who always went out if her to help others. May she fly on angel wings in heaven. "
"She truly was the matriarch of our little neighborhood. All of us kids in the neighborhood truly appreciated all she did. "