KNOUSE, Brigitte M. (1935-2021)

KNOUSE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/5/2022 at 00:12:01

Brigitte Marga Knouse
(February 2, 1935 - January 10, 2021)

Brigitte Marga Knouse was born February 2, 1935 in Danzig Germany, and passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at the age of 85.
Brigitte met and was united in marriage on December 12, 1959, in Schweinfurt, Germany, to Theodore E. Knouse, while he was stationed in the United States Army. They came home to Indianola, Iowa, in 1960 where they raised their family. To this union three children were born, Roland, Peggy, and Michael, all of Indianola.
Brigitte obtained her Certificate of Naturalization on May 2, 1966, an achievement she was quite proud of. She was a homemaker, then worked at Kayot assembling and finishing materials for trailers, campers, etc. Brigittte began bartending locally in Indianola and eventually worked for the Hotel Ft. Des Moines as the lead bartender, where she worked 24 years before retiring. She loved people and knew no strangers. She loved conversations and leading large parties and banquets for numerous events. She had a knack for remembering event attendee’s names and their beverage of choice. She always spoke of meeting presidential candidates and high-ranking officials as well, most notably Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and George Bush.
Brigitte loved the outdoors and being by the water, whether it be lakes or oceans. She enjoyed camping with family and friends at Lake Rathbun, Red Rock, and Cutty’s Campgrounds. One of her favorite times was visiting her son in Hawaii.
She loved her children and grandchildren. She always looked forward to hosting family celebrations and parties for friends, especially at Christmas, her favorite holiday of all. She enjoyed the Christmas parties at the Hotel, inviting the kids and grandkids for multiple years. She was famously known for serving her delicious BBQ ribs, homemade spaghetti and meatballs, and potato salad.
She loved flowers of all kinds and never went a day without them. They brought so much color and joy to her day. She loved music of all genres and had a special liking for Elvis and George Strait, both whom she saw in concert several times. The last few years she would listen, sing, and dance along to everything Elvis. This brought much comfort and joy to her granddaughter Amanda.
Brigitte was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Marga (Pedenay) Hein; ex-husband, Ted Knouse; partner, Richard Snyder; and other siblings and family members residing in Germany.
She is survived by her children, Roland (Rose) Knouse, Peggy (Ron) Chambers, and Mike (Lori) Knouse; 6 grandchildren, David, Keith, Loke, Jeremy, Joshua, and Amanda; 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives residing in Germany.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brigitte’s name to Care Initiatives Hospice or Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/