Obituaries

April 13, 1921 to November 26, 2011

WINAMAC - Ethel Josephina Knebel, 90, Star City, passed away at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. Vincent Medical Center, Indianapolis.

She was born April 13, 1921, in Portland, OR, to the late Per Gustaf and Elin Nilsdotter Hultgren. She married Everett E. Knebel on April 21, 1945 in Portland, OR. He survives.

Also surviving are: 
Donald E. (Jennifer) Knebel, Zionsville, Son & daughter-in-law
Linda (Robert) Pruden, St. Paul, MN, Daughter & son-in-law
Thomas L. Knebel, Fort Collins, CO, Son
Joseph E. Knebel, Duluth, GA, Son
14 Grandchildren
12 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Carol E. Preiser, Daughter
Kenneth Preiser, Son-in-law 
Edith O'Banion, Twin sister
Albert Hultgren, Brother
Viola Noreen, Sister
Elsa Lind, Sister

Mrs. Knebel, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, met her husband during the war. She moved with him from the city of Portland, Oregon, to a farm in the Star City area and then into town where she raised her five children. The Knebels owned and operated the Knebel Grocery in Star City for over 20 years. She was very active in the Star City community and community events. As the students of the Star City community remember, she gave many a free piece of candy to kids on their birthdays or when she thought they needed something sweet.

Mrs. Knebel was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church and was active in the Methodist Women's Society. She was a former Sunday School teacher, was a leader of the vacation Bible school, and served on several church boards. She was also a former president of Home Economics Club. She served on the Pulaski County Human Service board for over 20 years and was the president for eight years. She was Older Hoosier Senior of the Year in 2003. She was also PCHS Volunteer of the Year. She was a long-time volunteer for the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, where she served coffee, hugs, and smiles to all.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, and one hour prior to services Thursday in the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., (Thursday, Dec. 1), at Star City United Methodist Church, Star City, with Pastor Ron Mabry officiating. Burial will be in Victor Chapel Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be given to the Star City United Methodist Church.