Carol Jean Knuth

Carol Jean Knuth, of De Pere, passed away on November 5, 2024 after a long and valiant battle with numerous medical conditions. Free of pain she walked into heaven into the loving arms of her husband, Butch.

Carol was born on October 19, 1940 to Lawrence and Grace (Benzine) Berner. She attended St. Joseph's grade school and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy. After graduation she continued on to cosmetology school and later became a certified CNA. Beyond that, her greatest joy was raising her children and providing care to the young and old. 

Carol married Gene (Butch) Knuth on November 24, 1960. Throughout their 60 years together they raised 6 children and countless pets. Commonly known as Ma/Mom Knuth, she was always welcoming and social, and had numerous friends from all walks of life. No one knew how to make someone feel more welcome than Carol. She loved to hold your hand, look into your eyes, and make you know you were being seen and heard. She was a loyal, loving, and passionate woman for all whose lives she touched.

Until her last days, she continued to find joy in her life by hosting card clubs, birthday clubs, and envisioning how she would decorate her house for Christmas this year. Christmas at the Knuth house was something to be seen. As soon as the snow was starting to melt, the search for the perfect flower baskets began. This enthusiasm instilled a love of flowers in all of her children. She created the most eye-catching flower baskets and beds on the entire block. Carol was always planning the next road trip or adventure, sometimes before they were even home from the one they were currently on.

There was always music playing in Carol's house. The only thing one heard more often was the unsynchronized chiming and cuckooing of her enormous clock collection.

Carol is survived by her children Amy (Eugene) Zdanovec, Little Chute; Mike Knuth (Marcella Giczewski), Windsor, Colorado; Sara (Will Cayemberg) Herrscher, De Pere; Patrick (Amy) Knuth, De Pere; Matthew (Katie McClinchy) Knuth, De Pere; and Christopher (Lisa) Knuth, Green Bay. Grandchildren include Nathan (Kristie Williams), Brett and Bryce Zdanovec; Carlie Knuth; Hailey, Emmit (Pejha), Jack and Addy Herrscher; Austin and Quintin Knuth; and Deacon Knuth. Great granddaughters Aaliyah and Makiyah Herrscher. Brother Jerry (Chris) Berner and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Butch; parents Lawrence and Grace Berner; and brother- and sister-in-law Jim and Barb Berner; father and mother-in-law Otto and Claire Knuth.

A memorial service and celebration of Carol's life will be held on December 14, 2024 at the De Pere Community Center, 600 Grant Street, Lower Level, De Pere, WI. A wake service will be held from 10am-12pm with a Memorial Service at 12pm followed by a luncheon and live music by the Acme Pickers.

Carol's family would like to thank all of the caregivers and wonderful friends who enhanced her quality of life with their kind and loving care. Also to her family from Rio, you were so special to her and she loved your many visits.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to purchase a memorial bench in loving memory of Butch and Carol. Donations are welcomed and should be directed to the family.

"We didn't always have much, but we were wealthy beyond words in love and life experiences."