"Your family has my sympathy at the passing of your mother. I knew Connie and Betty best in your family and was privileged to run track with them. May God bring you comfort in the days ahead."
In loving memory of
Helen Knott
November 26, 1917 - September 30, 2016
Our Mother, Helen Clara Knott was born on November 26, 1917 in rural Defiance, Iowa, the fourth child of John and Anna (Kuhl) Foxhoven. She attended a small rural grade school near her home through the 8th grade. After 8th grade, she helped at home and then, worked for several families helping with the housework and children so she was a “Merry Maid” and “Nanny” long before the words became popular in today’s world.
On February 6th, 1939, she married Edward M. Knott in Defiance. They were engaged in farming West of Manilla and together raised a large family of nine children who became their pride and joy. Raising nine children meant there was constant work. She always had a large garden, canned many jars of produce from the garden, crates of fruit, raised chickens, baked many many loaves of bread and a daily dessert for the family. In 1966, Ed and Helen bought half interest in Reiff’s Hardware with Anna Mae Reiff but continued farming until 1970. They moved from the farm and into Manilla in 1972.
Helen was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Parish in Manilla and an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society where she held various offices.
Having learned to embroider at a young age, she created dresser scarves, many sets of dish towels and pillowcases for family members, especially the grandchildren. Making quilts was a past time she enjoyed and baby quilts were always needed as twenty-four grandchildren arrived. She loved to play cards and you never had to ask twice if she wanted to play ten point pitch, thirty-one, Kings in the Corner, Yahtzee or bingo. She was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan but she did attend a Big Red Husker Game.
At age 71, she received her first driver’s license and drove until she voluntarily turned in her keys at age 90.
On December 31, 2009, she fell and broke her hip. While rehabbing from hip surgery in Omaha, she made the decision she wanted to continue living in Omaha so she could enjoy time with her large family. In February 2010, she moved to an apartment at Crown Pointe Retirement Living and after ninety three years she was in 7th Heaven, she no longer had to cook or clean. She made many friends and continued to reside there until a stroke in July of 2013 caused her to move to Immanuel Fontenelle Home. She passed away there at 98 years of age on September 30, 2106.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ed Knott (1990), son-in-law Don Holquist, daughter-in-law Marilyn Knott, grandchildren, Chad Oliver, Denise Holquist Van Roy, Travis Knott, parents, John and Anna (Kuhl) Foxhoven, brothers, Clarence, LaVerne, Howard, sisters, Elvera, LuRene Olson, Elaine Meiners, Leona Leslie.
She is survived by her children: Shirley (Jack Schaefer), Janet (Tina) Holquist, Larry (Sheila) Knott, Don (Joan) Knott, Carol (Darrell) Oliver, Betty (Dick) Schaefer, Connie (Frank) Urzendowski. Mike (Dianne) Knott, Theresa Bueltel (Glen Shaffer), 21 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Judy Knott of Harlan, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She will be remembered as being a faith filled, loving, gracious and gentle woman.
Thank you Mom for all your love.
Reverend John Gerald, Celebrant
Lector
Bernie Post Sherri Holquist
Eucharistic Minister
Karen Kloewer
Gift Bearers
Sheila Knott Joan Knott Dianne Knott
Mass Servers
Jarod & Tyler Henkelman
Music
“City of God” “In The Garden”
“Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”
“How Great Thou Art”
Sacred Heart Choir
Irene Fielmeier, Accompanist
Casket Bearers
Helen’s Grandsons
Interment
Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa
Tributes
"I am sending my sympathy to your family but also want to comment on what a celebration of life. Your mother truly lived a beautiful life, while raising a number of beautiful children. As I read her obituary I smiled to myself thinking when she meets the Lord He will say "Well done faithful and loving servant of mine" Connie and Betty I hope to meet up with you in December. I look forward to laughing remembering our times in Manilla. Your mother always made me feel welcome when visiting your home. Janie"
"Don Joan, and the Knott family. What a great lady. We want to extend our condolences to you all, and forward our thoughts and prayers to you."
"Wow! She lived a long life. What wonderful neighbors your family was for ours. I enjoyed many of you - riding the bus, having you as baby sitters and farm helpers. You have my sincere condolences for your loss. Your parents did a great job raising such a large family and teaching you all how to grow up and lead productive lives."
"Dear Carol and family our thoughts and prayers are with you always so sorry for your loss we love you all Dorothy, Jodie, Dave god bless"
"Saddened to hear of your mother's death. I always admired her energy. She will be misses. O"
"May the blessings of love be upon you, and peace abide with you. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Kind Regards."
"Our memories will never be forgotten. Take care of our other special loved ones in heaven."
"To the Knott family: we want to extend our condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I am so very sorry for your family's tremendous loss. Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you during this most difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that many others care. Peace be with you."
"Don and Joan, you, your mother and the family are in our prayers during this difficult time. God bless your mother and may she rest in peace."
"Aunt Carol I'm so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Betty - so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Keep your memories close to your heart and she will always be with you."
"Our deepest sympathy. We visited with Helen a few years ago, I said I bet you don't know us and she said I bet I do and she did. Made us smile. Such a sweet lady!"
"My condolences to family and friends on the loss of your loved one, Helen. Please continue to rely on God for comfort for He is the "Hearer of Prayer". (Psalm 65:2)"
"Our sympathies to the Knott family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. From the farm neighbors to the south. The Backhaus girls, Faye, Sandi and Rachel and families and Janet's family."