June Kniss

June Kniss
June Bernadine (Martin) Kniss passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 14th, 2021. She was born on June 1st, 1925 in rural Lanark to Walter and Mabel (Kloepping) Martin, and was a 1943 graduate of Lanark High School. She attended Shimer College in Mt. Carroll and Northern Illinois University, after which she taught for three years in a one-room country school. Although the school building has long been unoccupied, the building is still standing on what is known as the Loren Blacktop.
She married the love of her life, Kenny Kniss, on July 21, 1946. They farmed together for nearly 50 years on farms in the rural Lanark area. June is survived by her six children: Ronald of Scottsdale, AZ; Barry (Barbara) of Mt. Carroll; Tom of Lake Carroll; Mary Lou of Reston, VA; Jonathan (Laura) of Tacoma, WA; and Carolee (Kevin) Stees of Chandler, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 sister, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother.
June was a hard worker, and passed her work ethic on to all of her children. While she was based on her farm, she was an avid horticulturist, and grew an immense garden. She grew vegetables of many types that were harvested for meals, as well as for freezing and canning. She had a knack for identifying flowers of all types, even in different regions of the country. She loved discovering new kinds of plants and flowers wherever she traveled.
She was also an accomplished cook. When her children were all still at home, she cooked three meals a day for eight people, seven days a week. One exception was Sunday nights, which consisted of apples and popcorn, and basically being on your own. She had a large trove of recipes, often sharing them with friends and family. She loved trying out new recipes and finding new ways to use everything she grew in her garden, as she never wasted any food.
Her leisure activities included bird watching, reading and baking cookies. She loved cardinals and enjoyed learning about new bird species whenever she had the opportunity. She was also a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, rarely missing a game on the radio (even in non-winning seasons). In her later years, she was finally able to attend a game at Wrigley Field, with some of her children.
She was also an avid journalist, documenting decades of her life in vivid detail, including each and every visit with family and friends, meals she shared with others, and nature she observed. She never wanted to forget a beautiful bird sighting, a delicious new recipe, or a conversation shared with a loved one. Her detailed journal entries will be cherished by her family members for generations.
June was an active member of Carroll County Home Extension and the Lanark Church of the Brethren. She was involved in a number of activities at the church, which included teaching children for many years. She adored all children, especially babies, and children seemed to always love her, too. She rarely missed a Sunday service while her health allowed, and she continued her Home Extension activities well into her 80s.
After Kenny retired, she pursued other outside interests, which included reading electric meters and volunteering at a local thrift store. She and Kenny moved into town and enjoyed spending more leisure time together, especially doing crossword puzzles. They were rarely apart in their almost 63 years of marriage. June was a caring, devoted wife, and her love for her husband and family was apparent each and every day. Whenever she sat next to a loved one, she would pat their hand as a way to let them know she cared. She had a contagious smile and a wonderful sense of humor, both of which live on in her offspring.
Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. June and Kenny enjoyed traveling the United States, and took many trips to visit their children and grandchildren in Arizona, Washington and Virginia. They were lucky enough to visit almost all 50 states and even visited relatives in Sellnrod Germany. At age 92, she was able to fly and attend the wedding of one of her grandchildren in the Seattle area. Her newest great-grandchild, Amara June, age 1, was named in her honor. June will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on December 28th from 5pm to 7pm at the Lanark Church of the Brethren, followed by a memorial service on December 29th at 11am. Burial will follow at Lanark Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in June's name.