Black Earth - Vivian Irene Knobeck, age 95, of Black Earth and a former long-time resident of Sun Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Maplewood Health Care Center. She was born on April 26, 1929, on the family farm at Seminary Springs, the daughter of Adam and Mae (Crapp) Knobeck.

Vivian graduated eighth grade from Vilas school in 1943. It was a one-room school. She went on to East High School and graduated in 1947. Vivian started working at Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company on Feb. 22, 1947. She worked 20 hours a week while in school and then full time after she graduated high school. She retired from the telephone company 45 years later in 1992. She was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers.

In addition to working, Vivian enjoyed taking her nieces when they were young and later her great-nephews and nieces to the movies. She also enjoyed crafts, game/puzzle books, reading and gardening. She mowed her own lawn and took care of her house her entire life. Working outside was relaxing for her. The greatest love in Vivian’s life was her dogs. She loved all dogs, especially dachshunds, and she had them her whole life.

Vivian is survived by three nieces, Janet Green (Tom Gilland) of Milton, Elaine Knobeck Anderson (Ray Brunner) of Black Earth and Karen (Greg) Jankowski of Sparta; great-nephews and nieces, Christopher Anderson (Katie Krueger) of Oregon, Kathryn (Christopher) Pophal of Madison, Rebecca Green (Shaun Aakre) of Everett, Wash., Nicholas Jankowski of Lenexa, Kan., Matthew Jankowski of Sparta and Andrew “AJ” Jankowski of Sparta. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Mae Knobeck; sister, Florence Knobeck; brother, Gerald “Jerry” Knobeck; sister-in-law, Virginia “Ginny” Knobeck; and a nephew-in-law, Jeff Anderson; as well as all her uncles, aunts and many cousins.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, followed by a graveside service at Hope Cottage Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

We would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare and the Maplewood Health Care Center for the wonderful care and friendship during Vivian’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society, your local Dog Rescue or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Vivian Knobeck

April 26, 1929 - June 19, 2024

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