Emma Knoll

Emma was born and raised on the family farm in Hague, North Dakota. Hague is a small town about 80 miles from Bismarck. She was the 6th of 13 children, 9 boys and 4 girls.She grew up during the depression years, and was only able to go to school through the 8th grade because she was needed on the farm to help with chores and the babies. They all got along and worked well together. 

Years later, someone asked her 'If you could go anywhere in the entire world for a vacation, where would it be?' Her answer was to go to North Dakota to visit with her brothers and sisters.'.That was what made her happy, had no interest in traveling anywhere else.  So that is what she did every year that she was able to.

Emma met Felix Knoll, who was  a farm boy from Hague. They got married on Oct.7, 1947 at St. Mary's Church. They had 3 children, Ev, Darlene and Gene. They both shared a love for music and dancing (mostly polkas) and they were good dancers. They farmed for a few years after they married, but eventually decided to try city life.So they moved to St. Paul, Mn. They lived with Felix's sister Mary and her family until they could get jobs and a place of their own. Felix passed away Oct. 4, 1981, after 34 years of marriage.

Emma worked for Ideal Security for over 40 years, retiring only because the company moved to Tennessee. She loved to work and her work ethics were outstanding. After Emma retired, she kept herself busy by gardening, crocheting and playing bingo with her friends at Gladstone Senior Center. They played bingo for pennies and she enjoyed doing that every week, rain or shine!

She loved to crochet afghans, and learning new patterns. She would donate them to the church raffles and a senior care center, and relatives.

Emma suffered a stroke in 2012, and was unable to live alone anymore. She moved in with her daughter, Ev and son-in-law Ken. She lived in Oakdale until 2021, when she entered assisted living.

Emma will be missed by her kids, Ev (Ken), Darlene (Fred) and Gene (Laurie)

Grandkids, Lynette (Bruce), Ron (Heidi), Christy (Chris), Julie (Brook), Kelly, Lea (Chad), Dana

Great grandkids, Dominick, Hunter, Erica, Liam, Lindley, Haley, Hannah

As published in the Pioneer Press

Knoll

Emma

Age 94 of Oakdale

Formerly of St. Paul

Passed away on July 10, 2022. Preceded in death by husband Felix and 9 brothers & sisters. Survived by children Ev Heller (Ken), Darlene Fauks (Fred) & Gene (Laurie); grandchildren Lynette, Ron, Christy, Julie, Kelly, Lea & Dana; 9 great grandchildren and brothers Erwin, Tony & Leo Heier. Service Friday, July 22nd at 4:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway with visitation starting at 2:00 pm. Private family interment Union Cemetery.