PHYLLIS Y. KNOKE

Phyllis Y. Knoke, 81 of Devils Lake formerly of Edmore, ND passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in the loving care of her family. Funeral Services for Phyllis will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, Edmore, ND, with Reverend Don Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery, Devils Lake also on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Phyllis Yvonne, was born on May 12, 1933 in Edmore, ND to Abraham and Stella (Sigvaldson)Fjalstad. Phyllis grew-up on the family farm near Edmore, attended and graduated from Edmore Public Schools as Valedictorian. Phyllis was a baptized and confirmed member of the Concordia Church in Edmore. Phyllis married Larry Knoke of Derrick, ND on June 26, 1951 in Edmore. Phyllis and Larry lived on the Fjalstad Family Farm near Edmore. In their early years of marriage they lived in California during the winter months were both were employed. Their two daughters, Cynthia and Karen were born while they lived on the Fjalstad farm. In 1962 they moved to the Knoke Family Farm near Hampden, ND where their son Richard was born. Phyllis worked alongside Larry farming in the Hampden/Edmore area until 2002 when they moved to their current home in Devils Lake. As a farm wife, Phyllis could operate every piece of equipment used on the farm. In her later years, Phyllis suffered from several health issues. Phyllis took an active role in the church and served as Sunday School Teacher, President of the Ladies Aide, and as organist for several years. Phyllis was also a very active member of the community, participating in Homemakers, a variety of school activities, and 4-H leadership. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning with her family. She was a talented seamstress, sewing most of her and her daughters clothing. She and Larry were members of the Edmore Curling Club and shared a love for camping and travel. One of her most memorable moments was being named Ramsey County Farm Woman of the Year in 1996. Phyllis’ pride and joy were her 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Larry; children Cindy Houle, Grand Forks, Karen Knoke, Pelican Rapids, MN and Rick (Sandra) Knoke, Edmore; grandchildren Jennifer, Kris, Kaisa, Emily, Maggie, Wyatt, Madison and Cassidy and great grandchildren Sophia, Eleanor and Cael; sister Mary Carol (Lyle) Hoff, Devils Lake; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant children; brother Allen Fjalstad and sister Bernice Whittington. Serving as Casket Bearers for Phyllis will be Geryl Harder, Wayne Simon, Roger Martinson, Lyle Hoff, Steve Hermanson, Gary Trottier, Melford Brekke and Larry Ivesdal. Honorary Bearers are June Martinson, Bea Haugen, Ann Schemionek, Delores Olson, Dorothy Hodous, Maxine Eckes, Joan Brekke, Theresa Hoffner, Ione Werner, Janet Olson, Linda Adsem and Pat Freije. Music will be provided by High Plains Trio and John Martinson.