Deanna Faye Knollenberg, 79, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Lancaster Rehabilitation Center where she lived for close to nine years.
Deanna was born on May 10, 1941 in Dewitt, NE to Frank and Aileen Warkow. Growing up she loved spending summers on the farm in Dewitt with her aunts and uncles. She graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1959. She was an accomplished secretary who worked many years at different offices and was proud of being KFOR’s “Secretary of the Day.” In June of 1961, Deanna married William Knollenberg and they had 3 children. When she wasn’t raising her children, Deanna enjoyed scrapbooking and crafts and collecting Precious Moments statues. While at Lancaster, she became known as the “card lady” as she created cards for all occasions and sold them to residents, staff, and visitors. When the pandemic hit she took up coloring and displayed pictures to brighten someone’s day. Deanna always loved being with family, especially her grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as “Grandma Dee.” She loved holidays with family and Christmas was her favorite. Deanna was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church. She was a woman of strong faith as well as a loving and devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. Many will miss her.
Deanna is survived by her children; Catherine (Chuck) Reese, Daniel Knollenberg and James Knollenberg, all of Lincoln; sisters, Sharon Griess of Omaha, Jeannette Bauch of Lincoln; brother, Robert (Sheila) Warkow of Lincoln; grandchildren, Andrew Reese, Garrett Reese, Will Reese, Erik Knollenberg and Jared Knollenberg. Nieces; Cindy (Griess) Johnston, Angela (Griess) Ajamie, Shani (Warkow) Coggin, Shanda (Warkow) Berndt, Jordan Warkow, Sherry (Abbott) Anderson and Lisa (Bauch) Newburn; nephews, Curtis Griess, Douglas Bauch and Kyle Warkow. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Aileen Warkow; sister, Beverly Abbott; nephew Michael Abbott; brothers-in-law, Allen Griess and Robert Bauch.
A very special thank you to Hospice Community Center and Lancaster Rehabilitation Center.
Private (closed to public) service and burial Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Visitation (open to public): Friday, July 31, 2020 from noon-6:00 p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Lancaster Rehabilitation Center, 1001 South St., Lincoln, NE 68502.
When attending services please abide by local and CDC Covid-19 guidelines. Masks are required.
Beautiful memories. What a sweetheart she was to the other residents. Love and prayers to you all !!
Our deepest sympathy to all the Knollenberg families. May your dear sweet ‘Grandma Dee’ Rest In Peace
Love and hugs to all of you!
❤️+❤️
Prayers for all of you!! Always enjoyed time spent with Dee such a kind soul ~ loved her sweet cards! Her family was her treasure! May she bless you all from above. May her sweet soul rest peacefully with Our Lord and Savior.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family Jim. She was a special woman who had such loving and caring children. I’m thankful for all of the time you spent with her and glad she is at peace now.
So sorry to hear about Deanna. She was a very good friend to me for many years. I have wonderful memories of the time we spent with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Deanna’s passing. When my daughter was at Lancaster Rehabilitation Center Deanna was so kind to her and they became good friends. I have many of Deanna’s cards that my daughter gave to me that she got from “the card lady.” She will be truly missed by everyone there. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
I loved Deanna and her beautiful smile. She could always brighten
my day no matter how bad it was. She loved making her cards so when ever I could I would make sure she had plenty to pass around. Through her I was able to met her kids, but it was Cathy that always made me feel like I was part of her extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as I know Deanna will be greatly missed. Sharron Phillips
Deanna was a delightful lady who touched my soul. My deepest sympathy. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Deanna and my mother in law we’re friends at Lancaster Rehab. When my mother in law passed away we felt fortunate to be able to share her favorite lift chair with Deanna . We know Deanna enjoyed it! A visit to Lancaster always included going upstairs to say hello to Deanna and catch up on her latest family news , recent movie she went to , and see her newest greeting cards. Made a few purchases myself 😊. Deanna was a special lady and I will miss her smile and our visits. Sympathies to the family.