Dorothy Irene Knake, age 96, passed away on December 10, 2025 at her home in Milford, IL. She was born on March 15, 1929 in Chebanse, IL, a daughter of Hugo and Anna (Horn) Hasz. Dorothy married Everett R. Knake in Chebanse, IL on July 10, 1949, and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2006.
Dorothy had worked in the medical field as a nurse's aide over many years. She was also very active in her church as a church secretary and various organizations such as Dorcas, Couples' Club, quilting group, and fund-raising activities for the local Thrivent chapter. She loved and supported her family and shared her strong faith with them. She was filled with joy through singing and playing Christian hymns.
Dorothy was an inspiration to her family and friends through her courage to always try new challenges and adventures. She took violin lessons at age 70, rode in a hot air balloon, and traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, and New York, to name a few. She was an avid reader, loved playing cards, and frequently walked the neighborhood to stay fit throughout her adult life. She had a great sense of humor, which she loved to bring to others through her joke telling. She was well known for her baked pies, cinnamon rolls, and other goods.
Dorothy is survived by her five children: James (Cheryl) Knake and Cynthia Maro of Milford, Cathy (Michael) Perkins of Green Valley, AZ, Jeanette (Tommaso) Grimaldi of Dewey, AZ, and Judy (Tom) McCann of Watseka; nine grandchildren: Carri (Randy) Haack, Jennifer (Craig) Van Hoveln, Jessica (Steven) Frerichs, Eric (Natalie) Dalton, Kelly (Brett) Hull, Wade (Meagan) McCann, Emily (Caleb) Parker, Anthony (Jessica) Maro, and Alex Maro; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister: Helen (Mike) Meents of Clifton, IL, three sisters-in-law: Helen Bell of Watseka, Ellen Hasz of Pataskala, OH, and Marian Hurliman of Gilbert, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers, five sisters-in-law, eight brothers-in-law, a son, Charles, and two grandchildren: Andrea Franklin and Timothy Dalton.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Doug Minton officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Burial will follow the funeral in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Cissna Park.
Dorothy was often known to claim that each one of her children was her "favorite" on any given day. You could get a brilliant smile from her by telling her to "rub dirt in it, and walk it off".
Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry.
Please share a memory of Dorothy at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
