Betty J. Knollenberg

Betty June Knollenberg Born April 17th, 1929 Lived in Mason City IL and passed away peacefully at age 96 on May 18th, 2025, at the Mason City Area Nursing Home. Born Betty June Schmidt from Beason IL, the daughter of Oleta and Gustav Schmidt. She married Dwight O. Knollenberg on August 29th, 1948, at United Methodist Church in Lincoln, IL. They started their life together in Mason City soon after they married in 1948. They were married for 66 years until Dwight passed in 2014. Betty is survived by three boys: Ron (Linda) Knollenberg of Mason City, IL, Joe (Linda) Knollenberg of Springfield, IL and John Knollenberg of Springfield, IL, as well as eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Betty, who wore many hats, was foremost a homemaker and happily reared the boys with much fanfare for all birthdays and special occasions. It has been noted that the cookie jar was never empty. She played a large part in the Knollenberg Auction business in Mason City as she was quite proficient in all things antique. Because she was an antique aficionado, her house was filled with many wonderful and beautiful items and most came with stories of her own family history. She always referred to her antiques as her “pretties" and took great care to ensure they had a good home. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she would spend weeks getting ready for the special holiday by decorating the house, baking cookies, pies and “roly-polys." She was known for her Christmas cookie route (chauffeured by either Dwight or Matt) in Mason City, delivering cookie trays filled with loads of homemade cookies to dozens of homes for many years. She loved to sing and one of her favorite movies was “The Sound of Music”. As a young girl she would attend small town gatherings and yodel while her dad accompanied with an instrument. After she “retired” from the auction business she began her true calling, ministering to nursing homes which lasted for over 30 years. She often shared a story about how she helped a frightened nursing home resident find peace by praying with him during one of her many visits. She had a great love for learning God's Word which led her on an educational trip to the Holy Land where she was able to visit the places she was studying in the Bible. She shared her photos and what she learned on that trip in her ministry. Scott, her oldest grandson, had the privilege of having his beloved “Grandma Betty” officiate his wedding. It was a truly special moment as she became an ordained minister for this very occasion. She frequently spoke of how great her childhood was and how much she loved her parents and grandparents. Betty was known as an exceptionally caring and loving person by everyone who had the privilege of being a part of her life. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the caregivers who attended to Betty at the Mason City Area Nursing home, as well as Gentiva Hospice. A funeral service will be held for Betty at Mason City Assembly of God Church on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM, visitation will be held from 10:00 until the time of service, Pastor James Sprinkel officiating. Burial to follow the services at Mason City Cemetery . Memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church where she was an enthusiastic member of the church for over 40yrs, playing the piano, organ, teaching Sunday school, and singing in the choir. Online condolences can be made to www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty J. Knollenberg

April 17, 1929 - May 18, 2025

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services