KNAPMILLER, Bessie Jane (January 15, 1921 - February 5, 2010) Bessie Jane Knapmiller, age 89, of Birchwood, WI slipped from the cares of this world into the loving arms of her Lord and the joys of eternity on Friday, February 5, 2010. She was surrounded by her loving family in her home of 56 years. Bess came to Birchwood at four months of age when her family moved here to start a life as owners of Indian Beach Resort on Big Lake Chetac. Her parents, Harry and Maude Sorenson, three sisters and a brother, spent nearly thirty years there. It was a foundation for the character, compassion, and discipline that Bess exemplified in her life. In 1942, Bess married her high school sweetheart Walt Knapmiller. Ten years later they took over the Knapmiller farm and with two children already in tow settled in to raise their family and remained a part of the community the rest of their lives. Over the years, Bess involved herself in her children’s lives, serving as a 4H leader, Cub Scout leader, school nurse, and participated in many school and community organizations. She is renowned for her love of cooking, her wonderful garden, and her singing with the Happy Notes, all of which she shared generously. She cared for her husband in his last years, helping him remain in the home he was born in as long as possible. Her example of compassion and endurance was an inspiration to many. The next thirteen years Bess lived life to the fullest doing what she enjoyed most in her home and the Birchwood community. Her service to her church, the Food Pantry, Senior Center, and with the Happy Notes brought a sense of fulfillment to her life. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 2008, she begrudgingly accepted a request to be part of a documentary about Alzheimer’s on HBO. Her easy going manner and ability to make people feel special made her a favorite. Her hope in participating in the film and desire to donate her body to science was that it might help other families with the challenges of Alzheimer’s. Bess is survived by her 5 children, Jerry (Marge) Knapmiller of Eau Claire, WI, Linda (K. C.) Krahenbuhl of Barron, WI, Janet (Jay) Hatcher of Birchwood, WI, Ron (Carol) Knapmiller of Holmen, WI and Robert (Cindy) Knapmiller of Cameron, WI; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Harriet and numerous nieces and nephews, plus many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Knapmiller in 1997. Memorial Services will be held 11:30 AM Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Birchwood, WI. Friends may call from 2 - 6 PM Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Birchwood and for 1 hour prior to the funeral at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials to the United Methodist Church in Birchwood, WI are appreciated.

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