Ann Marie Kniefel

Ann Marie (Morgan) Kniefel, age 89, of Waterville passed away peacefully, surrounded by family love, at Traditions Memory Care on Wednesday, December 16.

Born on August 25, 1931 to Art and Marie (Frodl) Morgan in Iosco Township. She attended Waterville High School, then continued her education at the College of St Catherine in St Paul, graduating as a registered nurse. She loved her work as a nurse at Faribault and Mankato Hospitals and with Dr. Buesgens in Waterville, as well as working at the Coast-to-Coast Store in Waterville that Ben and she owned for 25 years.

On April 8, 1953, she married Bernard “Ben” Kniefel. They were both activists in creating centers for children/adults with cognitive challenges in Le Sueur County and were instrumental in founding and supporting LCDS in Waterville.

Ann will be remembered for the memories she created spending time with her family and friends, her passion for playing bridge, her love of sewing/crafts projects and her travels with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard “Ben” Kniefel, sister, Irene Kahnke, and brothers, Jarlath, “John “Morgan and James “Jimmy” Morgan. She is survived by her brother, Joseph “Joe” Morgan, son, Kevin Kniefel (Colette Jewison), daughters-Kathryn Kniefel, Terese Libby, and Kristine Kniefel. Ann was loved by her 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville. A recording of the service will be available to view on Wednesday, December 23 at dennisfunerahomes.com. The family plans to have an outdoor celebration of Ann’s life this summer for friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to charities that support Ann's passion--The Village in Waterville-(205 N 1st St, Waterville, MN 56096), and A Great Day Farm in Northfield –(5575 115th St E, Northfield, MN 55057)