Y’Vonne “Vonnie” Kniess, age 69, passed away at her home June 1, 2015 surrounded by her family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was born January 23, 1946 in Merrill to the late Wallace and Carolyn (Liebig) Tewes. Vonnie and Everett “Ev” Kniess were united in marriage on October 23, 1965 at Luther Memorial Church in Gleason.
Vonnie was a 1965 graduate of Tomahawk High School. She had worked at Northern Wire, Merrill Canning Company and waitressed at the Outlaw Bar in Gleason before retiring from Merrill Manufacturing as a welder and weld press production operator. Vonnie was very active in the Gleason Ladies Monday night Bowling League and the local softball league. She loved all family outings but especially enjoyed camping and traveling to the UP where she made a point to search out the many waterfalls in the area. Vonnie enjoyed painting ceramics, working crossword puzzles and playing Farkle. She was a very loving person who showed tough love to those around her. Vonnie was a very brave, tough lady and though she went through a lot, she kept her sense of humor through it all. She enjoyed playing slot machines from time to time and winning from scratch off tickets every now and then. Vonnie was especially proud of all her children and grandchildren who meant the world to her. She was a Gleason Lioness for many years and a lifelong member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason.
Survivors include her husband: Everett “Ev” Kniess, Gleason; four children: Laurie (Frank) Frederick, Janesville, Sandy (Tim) Reader, Merrill, Russell Kniess, Gleason and Debbie (Scott) Bagley, Wittenberg; eight grandchildren: Kyle, Matt, Brittany, Courtney, Megan, Mallory, Preston and Destiny; three great-grandchildren: Kyra, Kaleb and Malachi; three siblings: Nancy Burgener, Merrill, Wallace ‘Butch’ Tewes, Wausau, and Debra (Keene) Robl, Merrill; and many other extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace Tewes and Carolyn Lapsenberg.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 5, 2015 at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10 AM until the time of service Friday at the church. Burial will follow in Luther Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Vonnie’s name to the charity of your choice. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.