Paula was born during a terrible blizzard on December 6, 1926, in the kitchen of her family’s rural Furnas County log home. She was kept warm by the heat radiating out from the wood-fired oven until her Uncle Doc Minnick could arrive by horse and buggy. Paula Jeane was welcomed into the world by Her parents, Harvey E. (born 1895) and Emma F. (born 1892), and older brother, Harvey Jr. (born 1918).
Paula’s primary and secondary education was through the Cambridge School District, graduating with her beloved class of 1944. Paula spent her first two years of college at Doane College (now Doane University) and then two years at the University of Nebraska graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with honors. Post graduate studies at University of Nebraska and the University of Colorado at Boulder followed.
She taught elementary students at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, before meeting her future husband at her cousin’s wedding. Her cousin just so happened to be her future husband’s college roommate. This chance meeting led Paula to Lexington, Nebraska, for a job teaching elementary students and, eventually, a marriage to Glenn F. Knapple and the life of a farm wife raising two sons and a daughter. Together, they raised their children and supported their numerous activities throughout their youth, which included attending all school and out of town events, athletics, horse shows, etc. She still shared that passion later in life and supported her grandkids in all of their activities and successes whenever possible. Paula loved her family with all of her heart.
Paula loved and served the Lord and her church. She attended bible studies, was a charter member of Chapter GR P.E.O., gathering with friends for supper and fun, and whenever possible, she enjoyed beating her friends playing bridge. She enjoyed traveling and was able to visit all 50 states. She was a lover of animals, especially dachshund dogs, cats, and horses. Her family and many close friends always said she was the best cook ever. However, her specialty was baking banana cream pies.
Later in life Paula worked a number of years at Barmore Drug. Paula was not immune to working hard her entire life. Once, after being caught in the act of scooping snow at the age of 90, and firmly told she’s too old to do it, replied, “Well, I can do it!”
Paula Jeane is survived by her children and spouses, Kevin and Mary Anne Knapple of Papillion, NE., Fred (Fredo) and Jerri Knapple of Hastings, NE., and Rebecca (Becky) and Mike Holcomb of Johnson Lake, NE.; grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Kuhn of Spring Hill, KS, Lindsay (David) Henson of Papillion, NE., Nicholas (Peggy) Knapple of Olathe, KS., Jacob (Chelsea) Holcomb of Broken Bow, NE., Sydney Holcomb (Patrick Moeller) of Lincoln NE., and Libby (Brayden) Wills of Lincoln, NE.; great grandchildren, Lucy Kuhn of Boston, Mass., Lily Kuhn of New York City, NY., Sadie Kuhn of Lincoln, NE., Bess and Maggie Henson of Papillion, NE., Lincoln Knapple of Olathe, KS., Jace, Easton, and Ella Holcomb of Broken Bow, NE., and Elliott Wills of Lincoln, NE.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Emma Minnick; husband, Glenn F. Knapple; Father and mother-in-law Dr. Fred L. and Leota Knapple; infant twins Samuel and Sarah Knapple; brothers-and-sister-in-laws, Jim and Virginia King, Duane and Lois Birt, and brother U.S. Navy CMDR (retired) Harvey Minnick and first wife Cleo, and second wife Norma (Minnick) Wymore.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Pastor Becky Dobitsch and Pastor Velma Tim, officiating. The service will be live streamed via the church website: firstchurchlex.org
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, with family present from 3-5 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska
Memorials are kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church, Chapter GR P.E.O., or to a scholarship fund directed towards a teaching degree for a student at Cambridge High School.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
