Darleen Mary Katie Knigge

Obituary

Darleen Mary Katie Knigge was born on July 26, 1927, at home in Windom, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Emil and Alvina (Wahl) LaMaack. She received her education in Fulda, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Fulda High School class of 1945.

On October 19, 1949, Darleen was united in marriage to Martin Knigge at the American Lutheran Church in Westbrook, Minnesota. Darleen and Martin resided in Fulda, until moving to Willmar in 1956. In 1962, they moved to Hutchinson. Darleen and Martin shared 48 years of marriage until his passing on November 6, 1997.

Darleen enjoyed a fulfilling career as a lifelong seamstress, making many beautiful wedding and bridesmaid dresses.  In her spare time, she embroidered dish towels and pillowcases. She was an avid square dancer and loved socializing with her family and friends. Bowling, traveling abroad and staying physically fit were activities that she enjoyed.  She was a faithful church member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and was active in the Dorcas Club and Congregational Services Committee. Darleen also volunteered as an election official. 

Darleen passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Hutchinson Health at the age of 91 years surrounded by her loving family.

Darleen is survived by her:
Siblings, Marian Thraen and her husband, James, of Morris, MN; Betty Brake and her husband, Ivan, of Slayton, MN; James LaMaack of Saratoga, CA; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Darleen was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Alvina LaMaack; husband, Martin Knigge; nephew, Terry Thraen; brothers, Benny LaMaack and his wife, Shirley and Stanley LaMaack; sister, Phyllis Koehn and her husband, Edwin; and sister-in-law, Sandy LaMaack.