Jeanne M. Kneifl

Jeanne Marie Kneifl, 99, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Hillview HealthCare in La Crosse.

Jeanne was born November 27, 1921 in La Crosse to Marie P. (Amundson) and Charles W. Padesky. After graduation from La Crosse Central High School in 1939 Jeanne studied at La Crosse State Teachers College before taking a job at the Electric AutoLite Co. where she met her future husband Gerard J. Kneifl. Jeanne and Jerry were married June 27, 1945 at St Wenceslaus Catholic Church and had four children.

After Jerry’s death in 1964 Jeanne learned to drive and enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at La Crosse Vocational School. She did her internship in the surgery office at Lutheran Hospital. She was offered that job after graduation and worked there until her retirement in 2000 at age 78. Nearly 20 years before retirement she sold her car saying she could walk to work in less time than it took to find a parking place. From that day on she walked or rode her heavy old big tire bike everywhere until age 93 when she gave up the bike.

Throughout her life Jeanne was a remarkable woman and an inspiration. Strong, independent, pleasant, never uttered a bad word about anyone, never complained, never asked for help, refused any offered and always helped others when she could.

Surviving Jeanne are: her children Tom, Diane Dobbs and Charles, grandchildren Joe Dobbs (Crystal Abts) and Katie (Jon) Kistler, great-granddaughter Viola Kistler, step-great-granddaughter Layla Kistler, sister-in-law Nancy Padesky, nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death were: her husband Jerry, daughter Mary, son-in-law Mark Dobbs, great-granddaughter Stella Kistler, her parents, brothers Don, Jack and Tom, sisters-in-law Jeanette and Millie and special friend Jim Bacino.

Thank you to the staff at Hillview HealthCare, particularly those on Hall 800, for their care and concern while Jeanne lived there and especially for being her “family” over this past year.

It was Jeanne’s wish to be cremated and have a private burial. A service in her honor will be held at a future date. Jeanne would’ve suggested memorials go to St. Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St, La Crosse, WI 54601 or the cause of your choice.