Delores R. Knaak

Delores R. Knaak, 84, of St. Joseph, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at The Willows in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 15, 2016 at the First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave.,  St. Joseph with Rev. Robert Confer officiating.  Entombment will follow at City Cemetery, St. Joseph.  Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God Endowment Fund,  the Humane Society of SW Michigan or Children’s Lifeline.  Those wishing to sign Delores’ Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Delores was born April 8, 1932 in St. Joseph to Ernst & Maria (Schmidt) Schroeder. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950   On October 18, 1952, she married Frederick K. Knaak in St. Joseph.  In her early working career she worked at Grace B. Pauley Dress Shop, Indiana-Michigan Electric Co., J.C. Penney, and G.C. Murphy Dime Store. Later she taught Nursery School at First Church of God before starting her own poodle grooming business out of her home, which she operated for over 20 years. She  was a life-long member of the First Church of God holding several positions over the years.  After retirement Delores spent many hours sewing and knitting to support Childrens Lifeline Mission in Haiti, World Vision Sweater Project and First Church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Christmas time was enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren baking Christmas cookies. Delores is survived by her children-Robert (DeeAnn) Knaak of St. Joseph, Teresa McCurdy of Glenview, IL, Mark (Jean) Knaak of Baroda; six grandchildren-Kristin (Justin) Peachey, Karl (Shelby) Knaak, Katlin Knaak, Ashley (Matthew) Leger, Rachael Knaak & Tiffany Knaak; four great grandchildren-Addison & Savannah Peachey, Kamden Knaak & Claire Leger; two brothers- Elmer (Renee) Schroeder of Coloma, Eugene (Marilyn) Schroeder of Niles; sister-in-law Jeanette Schroeder, and many nieces & nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick on July 13, 2014, her parents, her brother Allen Schroeder and two sisters-Eleanor Tate & Edith Noack.