Marjorie F. Knoop's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Marjorie F. Knoop, age 91 of Charleston, passed away while at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Military Funeral Services, conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with burial to follow. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Coles County Animal Rescue and Education. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Marge was born on December 12, 1922 in Bement, Illinois, a daughter of the late Clarence Otto and Golda Roxelma (Schultz) Funk. On June 3, 1944 she married Cary I. Knoop in Decatur, Illinois and they have shared 70 years of life filled with family and friendship. In addition to Cary, she is survived by three children, Marsha Dolson and husband Carl of Peoria, Illinois, Mike Knoop and wife Diane and Karin Knoop, all of Charleston; four grandchildren, Christopher Dolson and wife Nicole and Stacy Singh and husband Jaspreet, all of Indianapolis, Kylie Knoop and Jon Waggle, and Bill Knoop, all of Charleston; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Dolson and Jackson Waggle; a sister, Jean Moore and husband Max of Monticello, Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Ricky Funk and Nadine Funk, both of Bement, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Knoop; and two brothers, Stanley and John Funk. Marge was a graduate of Bement High School and attained her Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics from James Millikin University in Decatur. She furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University. She was employed by the Bement, Sidney, and Mattoon School Districts before accepting a position with the Charleston School District as a Home Economics teacher, a position she held for many years. Marge was a United States Navy Veteran who proudly served her country during World War II. She was extremely honored when asked to ring the bell in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of WWII during the Fourth of July festivities at Morton Park. Marge was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Charleston Education Association as well as the National Education Association. She was deeply community oriented and devoted many hours to various organizations. She was a strong member of the Democratic Party and served two terms on the Charleston City Council; the first woman to serve on the Coles County Board; and several terms on the Charleston Township Board. She was a 4-H leader and a founding member of the Farmer's Market, serving in a leadership role for numerous years. While in college Marge played basketball and ping-pong, a game she continued to enjoy. She possessed a love for music and was a trombonist. She always looked forward to attending the summer concerts provided by the Charleston Community Band. Marge and Cary shared a passion for dancing - they could dance all night! She was appreciated for her straight forward approach and always holding true to her beliefs. Marge's family requests casual dress for the visitation and service and wish to invite family and friends to gather at Roc's Blackfront, located at 410 6th Street in Charleston, for a celebration in her honor, beginning at 4:00 p.m.Click to view Marge's memorial video.
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