FLORENCE R. (BIRKHOFER) McKNIGHT, age 89, of Luverne, died Thursday, July 31, 2014, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage. She was born July 25, 1925, in Alvord, IA, to Al and Dena (Ruisch) Veldkamp. Florence graduated from Doon High School and attended Morningside Normal School in Sioux City, IA. Following her education, she taught in a country school in Northwest Iowa.
Florence married Howard Birkhofer on February 17, 1948 on her parent's farm near Rock Rapids, IA. The couple farmed near Edgerton, MN until retiring in 1983. Howard died on October 5, 1998. Florence later moved to Luverne in 2001.
Florence married J.C. McKnight on April 20, 2012. After their marriage, the couple lived in Luverne.
She enjoyed fellowship with friends, gardening, traveling, crafting, and cooking.
Florence is survived by her husband, J.C. McKnight, Luverne; four children, Roger (Dianne) Birkhofer, Cedar Rapids, IA; Calvin (Norma) Birkhofer, Sidney, NE; Wanda (Wayne) Marshall, Babbitt, MN; and Delwyn (Roni) Birkhofer, Kansas City, MO; fourteen grandchildren, Sarah Englishbee, Mary (Rich) Boettcher, Steve (JoVan) Birkhofer, Karen (Brendan) Larson, Justin (Megan) Birkhofer, Greg Birkhofer, Dallas (Jennifer) Birkhofer, Damon (Virginia) Birkhofer, Dawn (Joe) Thomas, Dory (Mike) Schoby, Wendy (Ryan) Lindsay, Ryan Marshall, Tyler (Rachel) Birkhofer and Kaylie Chasteen; twenty three great grandchildren; six step-children, Karen (Phil) Sandford, Michigan, ND; Jim (Diane) McKnight, Scottsbluff, NE; Les (Eleanor) McKnight, Scottsbluff, NE; Lynette (John) Booker, Scottsbluff, NE; Candace (Rick) Crouch, Scottsbluff, NE; and Jon McKnight, Rupert, ID; fifteen step grandchildren; twenty nine step great grandchildren; one step great great grandchild; brother, Elmer (Greta) Veldkamp, Jasper; and a sister, Arvilla Veldkamp, Luverne.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Douglas Birkhofer in 1963; brothers, Ben, & Jim Veldkamp; and three sisters, Jeanette Beyer, Alice Kracht and Dorothy Rossow.

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