Memorial service for Carolyn, 80 of Villisca, Iowa will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 23, at Villisca Presbyterian Church with burial following the service in the Villisca Cemetery. Visitation with lunch will be held prior to the service also at the church beginning at 11:30. Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Relay for Life or the Villisca Good Samaritan Society Education Fund.
Carolyn Ruth (Burch) Knoke, 80, was born on September 15, 1932, to Wade Frederick and Mattie Alice (Wilson) Burch at Dr. Cooper's office in Villisca. She grew up south of Nodaway in Adams County, Iowa, and attended Nodaway Community Schools graduating in 1950. She attended the Nodaway Methodist Church. Carolyn received her teaching license upon graduation from Clarinda Community College in 1952.
Carolyn met Harlan Knoke while working on the weekends at Sierp's Café in Villisca. Carolyn and Harlan married on June 6, 1952. To this union two daughters were born, Pat and Judy. While Harlan served his country during the Korean War Carolyn stayed with her parents, Wade and Mattie Burch, and Harlan's parents, William and Gretta Knoke, awaiting the birth of their first child. Upon Harlan's discharge from the armed services, the family moved to Villisca where she lived her entire adult life. The family lived on acreage just outside the city limits from 1956 until 2006 when she became a resident of the Villisca Good Samaritan Center.
She worked for a short time at an egg grading plant in Villisca, but spent most of her working years as a cook or waitress in area cafes. Carolyn worked at The Junction Café in Tenville as well as Sierp's Café, Elm Café, Marsh Café and Circle J Café in Villisca. When the Elm Café closed, she was hired to manage the Marsh Café when it opened on the south edge of Villisca and served in that capacity for several years. During this time, her daughters were assigned to help by washing dishes, counting change, making malts, cutting pies and any other job where they could help. Carolyn then became one of the evening cooks, a position she held for many years. When the Circle J Café closed, Carolyn went to work for a short time at Villisca Foods in the deli a few hours a day. Her grandchildren Luke and Kate were also employees; it was fun for all of them. Carolyn also did book work for Hair Kut Korner for over 30 years along with cleaning the shop for several of those years. Carolyn and her friend Maxine Lewis raised a large garden and sold vegetables and strawberries to many people in the area.
Carolyn retired due to health challenges in her early 70's. While she worked at the Café on the south side of town, many young people had the advantage of her listening ear, guidance and wisdom which she freely offered. When she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center, her ability to forge positive relationships and offer encouragement and a smile continued. Regardless of the challenge, she confronted it with determination and a positive attitude. She was a strong woman and it showed in the way she approached life.
Preceding her in death were her parents, and an infant brother; her aunts, Ann LeBaron Larson, Mabel C. Franklin, and Mary Wilson; and her cousin, Helen LeBaron Eastlack. Carolyn is survived by daughters: Pat Shipley of Nodaway and Judy (Phil) Anderson of Villisca; grandchildren: Kate (Jason) Widhalm and Luke (Christel) Anderson all of Omaha; great-grandchildren: Estelle Anderson and Carolyn Jeanne Widhalm of Omaha; cousin Ned Eastlack of Lincoln, Nebraska; lifelong friend, Maxine Lewis of Villisca, and other relatives and friends.
In her honor we will embrace life with a positive attitude and treat people we encounter with kindness, respect and a genuine smile.
Wolfe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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