Sheila Rae Knebel
June 10, 1953 ~ April 18, 2020
Sheila R. Knebel, 66, Valley Springs, SD, died Saturday, April 18, 2020, after a long illness at home surrounded by her loving family.
There will be a date announced for a Celebration of Life service in the Fall. Any Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Sheila, may be mailed to Tom Knebel, 200 Southside Ave., Valley Springs, SD, 57068. Also, the family requests no flowers.
Sheila Rae Olauson was born in Watertown, SD on June 10, 1953, to John and Hazel Olauson. She was the youngest sister to three older brothers and grew up on a dairy farm ten miles west of Sisseton, SD. She was proud to have attended country school through elementary and graduated with the Sisseton High School class of 1971. She went on to graduate with a Secretarial Degree from North Dakota State College of Science in Whapeton, ND. There she met two of her lifelong friends, Sue and Anita. She obtained her first secretarial job in Washington D.C. She came back to SD to be with family when her father passed away. Sheila then married the love of her life, Tom Knebel, on October 20, 1973 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD. The couple immediately moved to Valley Springs, SD where they raised four children. She held many different jobs over the years, from home daycare, to bookkeeping for Knebel Construction, to Sioux Valley Hospice, all revolving around customer service.
Sheila was a ‘people’ person who enjoyed getting to know her many clients and their families. She also enjoyed volunteering as a teacher and co-director of CCD at the Risen Savior Catholic Church. Sheila valued, above all, getting together with family and friends. She always had a cup of coffee and a listening ear waiting for anyone who stopped by. Sheila loved playing cards and dice with neighborhood friends including the Valentines, Swansons, Harstads, Phillips’ and all of her many grandchildren.
Grateful for sharing her life is her loving husband of 46 years, Tom Knebel; four children and twelve grandchildren: Paula (Matt) Adler, Dalton, Kathryn, & Lauren; Heather (Phillip) Swann, Santiago; Nick (Heidy) Knebel; Shala (Brad) Koster, Trevor, Kara, Logan, Luke, Scott, Samantha, Landon, & Mariah; her oldest brother, Ralph (Sharlene) Olauson; aunt, Olive Aiken, aunt, Lyla Olauson, uncle, Bob Aiken and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many friends.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hazel Olauson; and brothers, Leonard & Clinton.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Sheila and Tom from JCs way back in the 70’s. Prayers and thoughts are with you Tom and family.
Sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Knebel. Praying that that the God of all comfort bring you peace. May memories of your time together bring a smile to you face and flood your hearts with love. She has left a legacy for you to carry on, continue to make her proud. She is at peace, safe in the arms of Jesus. May God continue to bless, guide and strengthen you all today and always.
Love and praying for you always.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to the whole family
we will miss her smilling face so sorry for your loss. god be with you and your family
I am so sorry for your heartache and loss. Sheila was a wonderful, warm person who I am sure will be so missed by all. Love and prayers to all of you.
So sorry for your loss Tom and family, Sheila always had a smile on her face.
Prayers are with you
Judy and Ron Running
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and family. So very very sorry for your loss.
No one and nothing can fill the void created by the loss of your dear mother.
May fond memories bring you comfort during these hard times.
Sending loving thoughts to you and your family.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May our Lord provide you with His peace and may you continue to lean on Him for comfort in this your most darkest hour.
thank you for sharing her. She touch many with her open caring personality and laughter. I am so sorry. Sending hugs to all of you.