Sheila R. Knebel, 66, Valley Springs, South Dakota, died Saturday, April 18, 2020, at home surrounded by family after a long illness.
Due to the ongoing virus crisis, there will be no service at this time. A date will be announced for a Celebration of Life event in the fall. Correspondence can be mailed to Tom Knebel, 200 Southside Ave., Valley Springs, SD 57068. The family requests no flowers.
Sheila Rae Olauson was born in Watertown, South Dakota, on June 10, 1953, to John and Hazel Olauson. She grew up on a dairy farm 10 miles west of Sisseton, South Dakota. She attended country school through the elementary grades and graduated with the class of 1971 at Sisseton High School. She received a secretarial degree from North Dakota State College of Science in Whapeton, North Dakota. She obtained her first secretarial job in Washington, D.C. She returned to South Dakota to be with family when her father died.
Sheila married Tom Knebel on Oct. 20, 1973, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton. The couple immediately moved to Valley Springs. In addition to raising four children, Sheila had many different jobs over the years including home day care, bookkeeping for Knebel Construction, and Sioux Valley Hospice, all involving customer service.
Sheila volunteered as a teacher and co-director of CCD at Risen Savior Catholic Church. She enjoyed time with family and friends and enjoyed playing cards and dice.
Sheila is survived by her husband, Tom; four children and 12 grandchildren, Paula (Matt) Adler, Dalton, Kathryn, and Lauren; Heather (Phillip) Swann, Santiago; Nick (Heidy) Knebel; and Shala (Brad) Koster, Trevor, Kara, Logan, Luke, Scott, Samantha, Landon and Mariah; her brother Ralph (Sharlene) Olauson; two aunts, an uncle, and other relatives and friends.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Leonard and Clinton.
Arrangements are provided by Heartland Funeral Home, heartlandfunerals.com
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