Obituary of Virginia Louise Knock

Virginia Louise Knock was born November 25, 1923 to Irvan H. Philiph and Ruth E. (Hefflefinger) Philiph in their rural home near Melvin, IA. She received her schooling at Baker Township No. 7 through the eighth grade, then graduated from Melvin High School. Virginia furthered her education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, IA. Upon completion, she was employed at the Security State Bank in Hartley, IA, living there with her grandparents, William and Anna Philiph. On February 22, 1948, Virginia was united in marriage to Virgil A. Knock of Melvin. The couple lived on a farm near Melvin where they would spend their entire married life. They were blessed with two children, Jerry and Jeanne. Virginia was an active member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin where she taught Sunday School for several years, and was involved in the ALC Women's Circle, serving in various capacities. She especially looked forward to making quilts at Do-Days, along with the fellowship that was shared there. She was also a long-time member of the Guthrie Post 470 American Legion Auxiliary of Melvin. Virginia was a fun-loving person and enjoyed attending Civic Music Concerts, playing cards at 60+, Dinner Date, and Red Hats. She also spent many hours, and took great pleasure in tending her garden and flowers. She especially treasured the time together and experiences shared with her three grandchildren. Her immediate and extended family were very important to her, as she was to all of them. In October 2016, Virginia made a new home at Prairie View in Sanborn, IA. With her outgoing nature and positive outlook, she made many friends in her short time there, enjoying all the activities offered, as well as the kind and caring staff. On Friday, January 20, 2017, Virginia passed from this life at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil in 1998; her parents; her brother, Bill Philiph; sister-in-law, Wilma Knock; brothers-in-law: Bruce Knock and Don Shriner; and nephew, Perry Philiph. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jerry (Laurie) of South St. Paul, MN and daughter, Jeanne (Michael) Sween of Long Beach, MS; three grandchildren: Melissa Knock of Los Angeles, CA, Richard (Kayla) Sween of Flowood, MS, and Daniel Sween of Long Beach, MS; sister, Joyce Shriner of New Ulm, MN; sisters-in-law: Marilyn (Bob) Damman of Melvin, Shirley Knock of Sioux Falls, SD and Ruth Philiph of Ocheyedan, IA; brother-in-law, Marlo Knock of Melvin; several nieces and nephews; and the many friends who made her life complete. Celebration of Life Virginia L. Knock Born ~ November 25, 1923 Died ~ January 20, 2017 Age ~ 93 years 1 month 25 days Funeral Service Wednesday, January 25, 2017 ~ 11:00 a.m. American Lutheran Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Judy Johnson Organist ~ Pat Wachtel Musical Tributes Michael Sween "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Jenna Hardy-Peterson "In The Garden" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Abide With Me" "Amazing Grace" Recessional ~ "Nearer, My God To Thee" Pallbearers Melissa Knock Richard Sween Daniel Sween Michael Knock Brent Knock Paige Morris Honorary Pallbearers Patricia Philiph Jones Peg DeYoung Brian Shriner Philip Shriner Michelle Knock Rachel Stallinga Usher Larry Hennings Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa *The family will be present for the visitation at the church in Melvin from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2017.