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Sharon Kniola Obituary
Sharon K. Kniola, 83, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
Sherry was born May 20, 1941, to Clarence and Emma Jean Yntema in Zeeland, Mich. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1959 and went on to receive her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University and later, her master's degree in early childhood education from Michigan State University. Sherry was a talented baton twirler, who traveled to contests throughout the Midwest in her teens and later twirled as a majorette in the WMU Marching Band. At WMU, she was also a member of the Chi Omega sorority and on the homecoming court.
On Aug. 10, 1962, Sherry married Dennis F. Kniola in Zeeland and they shared 62 wonderful years together. After one year teaching for Portage schools, Sherry moved to Lakeshore Public Schools in Stevensville and Baroda, where she taught kindergarten, physical education and launched the Music and Motion program for early education. Sherry received the R. James Johnson Educator Award, naming her teacher of the year in 1989. She taught at Lakeshore for 30 years before retiring.
Sherry is survived by her husband, Denny; children: Mike (Nancy) Kniola of White House, Tenn., Nancy (Jamie) Poelker of Stevensville, Dan (Jennifer) Kniola of Gainesville, Ga., and Kathy (Jason) Pawlowski of Milton, Ga.; seven grandchildren: Savannah (Josh) Jones, Gerrit Marshall, Dalton Kniola, Lucas Kniola, Tyler and Ella Pawlowski and Jason Robinson; sisters: Sally (George) LeFevre of San Diego, Nancy Long of Woodstock, Ga., and sister-in-law, Mary Bouwens of Zeeland.
Sherry was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roger Yntema and niece, Kristi Yntema.
Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph, with funeral services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Stevensville United Methodist Church with a luncheon following at the church. Please remember that we will be celebrating Sherry's life, and per her wishes, colorful clothing is requested.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lakeshore Excellence Foundation, 5771 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Kniola
4 Entries
Jodi Rabbers
October 13, 2024
I first knew Mrs Kniola when her husband coached the Lakeshore Girls Basketball team. Also attended the same church. Later, finally felt comfortable calling her Sherry. What a sweet and funny lady! Always loved seeing her with sense of humor and smile! Some good memories during the BB season! This dear lady will surely be missed.
Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Amber
October 6, 2024
She was my favorite teacher when I went to Lakeshore. Prayers for her family!
Anne Demske
October 5, 2024
Sherrie was an awesome person and exceptional teacher! Tom and I sometimes referred to her as the "Walking lady" as she was often seen doing brisk walking all around the town!
She will be missed, our condolences go out to her family. We hope that the many wonderful memories will help soothe there great loss.
Tom Wentworth
October 4, 2024
I first met Sharon in 1958. She was a baton lady with the WMU marching band and I was a member from 58 to 61. She was a classy lady. Dennis, I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you recover well.
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Memorial Events
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Oct
11
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Funeral services provided by:
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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