Carol E. Knier

Carol E. Knier, age 70 of Luxemburg, was called to her heavenly home on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah. Carol was born in Orangeville, IL, on July 6, 1952 to the late Donald and Ruth (Kopp) Ruf. She attended high school in Orangeville, IL, followed by a hospital nursing school in Rockford, IL. She worked at the hospital in Monroe, WI after graduation and farmed near her parents. She eventually moved to Neenah to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh nursing school, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While in school, she worked at Mercy Medical center while also raising her daughter Valerie as a single parent. Her one extravagance was traveling to Europe on a number of occasions, which rewarded her with lifelong memories. Carol continued her education, returning to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to complete a Master of Science in Nursing to become a nurse practitioner. After graduating, Carol took a nurse practitioner position at ThedaCare Black Creek, where she worked until she retired. This was the ultimate match for a farm girl—a professional serving her own people in rural Black Creek.

Carol married Paul K. Knier, DVM, on August 19, 1995 at the Medina Wedding Chapel. This match revealed and put on display her many talents. Carol loved beauty in all forms. Her beautiful musical skills on the organ and piano were shared with many at her parents’ home church in Rock Grove, IL, and later at St. John’s Nekimi. She was also a piano accompanist for many high school classmates, reappearing in later years for Rachael’s flute playing experiment. Baking, canning, and chef quality-meals flowed from Carol’s kitchen, and her closest friends often received a cheesecake for their birthday or other holidays. Flowers!!! Carol deeply loved flowers. During their marriage, Carol transformed three home landscapes into floral design masterpieces. She also liked farming, just not hired help.

Carol and Paul are members of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nekimi. Her strong faith and the God given talent of listening were put to use spreading the Good Word of the Risen Christ Jesus.

Carol is lovingly survived by her husband, Paul Knier; daughters, Valerie (Ben Hammer) Bilgri and Rachael (Rob) Wolter; granddaughters, Josie Rockstar and Lita Sunshine Wolter; sisters, Susan (Don) Lawver and Ellen (Larry) Faist; brother, Chris (Marla Esnard) Ruf; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Philip (Georgeann) Knier, Mark (Mary Ann) Knier, Ann (Jeff) Leifer, Kay (Guy) Vogel, Carol (Dennis) Hammel and Judith Ann (Jamie) Pomerow. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, the next generation of Hope, and best friend forever Cindy Krueger.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 491 Old Oregon Rd with Rev. James Reiff officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bella Medical Clinic in memory of Carol.