Helen Margaret Knobloch

Larchwood & Rock Rapids, IA Helen M. Knobloch age 98 of Larchwood, IA died Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Lester, IA. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 24th from 2:00 to 8:00 with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Helen Margaret Lizzie Knobloch was born November 29, 1916 to Robert and Lillie (Heyden) Wilke on the family farm northeast of Inwood, IA. She attended Richland Township School through the 8th grade. She worked on the family farm until her father's death and the family moved to Rock Rapids. She then worked in the Rock Rapids bakery until her marriage. After waiting 3 years for him to return from the service, Helen was united in marriage to Ernst F. Knobloch on March 24, 1945 in Rock Rapids, IA. They began farming northeast of Larchwood in 1946 and then purchased the "Bontje" farm-moving there in 1962. They continued farming until they retired to Larchwood in 1992. Ernst passed away June 16, 1995. Helen continued to live in her home in Larchwood until the time of her death. Helen helped with much of the farming-driving tractor, hauling grain to town, milking cows and all other chores. Helen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rock Rapids. She was also a member of the Lester American Legion Auxiliary for the past 68 years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, sewing, playing cards, going to rummage sales, and fishing. But most of all, "Grandma Helen" enjoyed spoiling her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Helen passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Doughtery Hospice House in Sioux Falls at the age of 98 with her family at her side. Helen is survived by her daughter, Nancy Kriens of Larchwood; her son Lowell and his wife Betty of Larchwood; Grandchildren: Jamie and husband Jerrit Pedersen and their children Gracie, Jackson and Claire of Colton, SD; Mark Kriens and his wife Amanda and their children Brynlee, Kade and Ella of Trent, SD; Ryan Kriens of Dell Rapids, SD; 5 Step Grandchildren, 11 Step Great Grandchilden and 2 Step Great Great Grandchildren; one brother Wayne Wilke of Lester, Ia; In-laws: Paulina Knobloch, Wilbert and Helen Knobloch, Wilma Hoogeveen, all of Rock Rapids, IA; Violet and Ray Luthi of Lamar, MO; Vera Knobloch of Lester, IA; Adolph and Jean Knobloch of Algona, IA; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Lillie Wilke; husband Ernst F. Knobloch; sisters: Amanda Woodley, Eleanor Nagel, Marcella Hoffenkamp and Vera Von Der Lieth. Memorials may be directed to the Larchwood Emergency Medical Service (LEMS).