Margaret Kniep

Margaret Jean Kniep, age 84, was taken into our Lord’s loving arms on October 15th, 2019. She is now joyfully re-united in heaven with her late husband, Kenneth Kniep and daughter, Sherry Rollins. Her parents, David and Ruby Samuelson, brother Ken, sister Anne, and loving friends are also celebrating with Margaret in their heavenly home.

Margaret is survived by her children, Laurie Timmons, Tammy Stepniowski, Mark Kniep, and Elizabeth Hudlet. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua, Michael J A, Quinn, Michael K, Tyler, Brittni, Christopher, and Megan.

Margaret was born October 23rd, 1934 to Swedish immigrants on the family farm in Shelley Idaho and was the youngest of three siblings. Music was a central part of family life. Her father and brother were accomplished violin players, while she was a gifted piano player at the age of 4. Margaret learned how to work hard at an early age as farm life was very busy with growing and harvesting the potato and grain fields and caring for the many animals. Margaret and her family were active in their church, First Lutheran, and surrounding Swedish community.

She graduated from Shelley High School, and from there was accepted into nursing school at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho. Margaret graduated with one of the highest scores on the licensing examination for the State Board of Nursing, thus officially becoming a registered nurse. Her nursing career was diverse in scope and spanned nearly 55 years. Her nursing skills were exceptional and was highly respected among physicians, colleagues and patients.

As she was starting her nursing career in Twin Falls, Idaho, Margaret unexpectedly met the love of her life, Kenneth Kniep on a blind date. She was Swedish and he was German, embracing each other’s proud heritage. They were married six months later at First Lutheran Evangelical Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Margaret and Kenneth were blessed with 5 children, raising them alongside Margaret’s parents on the family farm. Margaret was also a selfless caregiver to her family and friends without thought of her own health or well -being. Margaret loved all music genres, especially classical music. She brought her piano talent and love of music to her children, encouraging them to play instruments and sing along beside her. Margaret was independent, adventurous, and had a great sense of humor. Her strong belief in God provided the strength and courage to weather the many storms that were yet to come into her life. She raised 5 children on her own after the sudden loss of her husband and thereafter her daughter, parents, sister and brother. There are no more tears or sorrow for Margaret now as she is at peace with her Father in Heaven.

Funeral services for Margaret will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. A 10:00 a.m. private viewing will be held prior to service. Margaret will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Kenneth, at Rose Hill Cemetery Immediately following service. A fellowship luncheon will be provided after interment service