Knebel, Vivian M.

Vivian M. Knebel, longtime resident of Hills, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Atrium Village in Hills. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hills, with burial following at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church.

Memorials in Vivian's name can be made to St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Atrium Village or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences can be sent to her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Vivian Marie Hora was born May 8, 1927, in Lincoln Township in Johnson County. She attended country school and then graduated from Lone Tree High in 1945. She married Reno G. Knebel on April 22, 1947, in Lone Tree. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Hills, where she has been a part of the Hills community ever since, working for Stutsman's Inc., Hills Bank and Pleasant Valley Nursery. Vivian worked at Hills Bank for over 30 years, a career of which she was very proud.

She was also a proud member of St. Joseph's parish, serving as its secretary from 1984-1992, as the secretary for the cemetery and a member of the church's council, as well as the Altar and Rosary Society.

Vivian had many joys in life; she was active with the Hills Bank Friends Club, traveling with them often; loved watching her grandsons, Todd and Matthew, grow up, from T-ball to college ball as well as band concerts. The Fourth of July was a favorite for her family; the parade would line up in front of her home and fireworks were watched from the front driveway where her family always enjoyed her freshly-popped Ladyfinger popcorn. Vivian also spent a lot of time preparing meals for family and friends; she helped with many funeral meals at the church and also prepared dishes for Tuesday evening bingo.

She was proud of her daily “dog duty” with her grandpuppy, Toby.

Her family includes her son, Ron Knebel (Cathy) of Hills, and their children, Matthew and Todd Knebel (Jodi), and their children, Keaton and Kaley; and son, Tom Knebel (Elizabeth) of Fayetteville, Ark., and their son, Bradley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reno in 1995; parents; and sisters, Genevieve Frauen Mellecker and Rose Laake.

Vivian's family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff at Atrium Village for their warm and sincere care provided to their mom and grandma.

In parting with Ron and Cathy, Vivian would always end with, “Thank you until you are better paid,” – little did she know, the time with her was all the thanks they needed.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Vivian's family and her services.

Published July 22, 2013 in The Gazette