Mildred "Millie" Knoepke

Mildred R. Knoepke "Millie", 82, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020 surrounded by her family. Born in Faribault, MN on March 13, 1938 to Rudolph "Rudy" and Mildred (Wickum) Sortedahl, she was raised in Kenyon MN and graduated from Kenyon HS in 1956. On April 5th, 1958, Millie married Kenneth Knoepke at the Holden Lutheran Church in Kenyon. Millie began her career at Rochester Methodist Hospital, working as a nursing assistant before taking a break to raise her four boys. She then was employed at IBM for 15 years, working in the cafeteria, secretarial support, and manufacturing areas. Millie and Ken loved traveling, visiting all 50 states, Europe, and wintering in South Padre Island, TX for 19 years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was actively present in their lives. Millie enjoyed crocheting, making each of her grandchildren a special afghan to treasure. Millie is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Ken; four sons, Kevin (Jean) of Rochester, Darren (Nancy) of Rochester, Dan (Nancy) of Shawnee, KS and Tom (Shannon) of Rochester; grandchildren, Chris, Matt, Joe, Ryan, Nicole, Nate, Jack and Jay; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Cora and Calum. Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy and Mildred. A celebration of Millie's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Safety guidelines and masks will be required for all services. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Paws and Claws. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Knoepke family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com