Jeanie Knudsen, 87, of Traverse City, passed away at her home with the love of her family praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on Monday, May 25, 2015. Jeanie was born on April 27, 1928 to the late Paul and Pearl (Darga) Kishefsky in Traverse City. Jeanie married Ken on Thursday, April 10, 1947, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Traverse City, in a ceremony conducted by The Rev. Fr. Joseph Kohler. Ken and Jeanie celebrated 68 blessed years of unconditional love and devotion to one another, with the love of all their children, grandchildren, family and friends. They were also lifetime partners in their business venture called Ken's Pick Up Service, whereby Jeanie took care of the bookkeeping and administrative duties.
Jeanie graduated from St. Francis High School, where she was an enthusiastic cheerleader for the varsity basketball team. Her faith led her to be a major "Prayer Warrior" for her family and many others. Part of her devotion to Our Blessed Mother was praying the Holy Rosary daily. Jeanie was extremely devoted to her family as they were to her. She was a lifetime member of St. Francis Catholic Church, where she was a part of the prayer chain and also sponsored children overseas. For over 30 years Jeanie 'hand made' thousands of Rosary's for ministries overseas, served as one of Father Kohler's first Lectors after Vatican II and ministered to Munson Hospital, nursing homes and the homebound as a Eucharistic Minister. Not only was she a Christ-bearer, but she also touched their day with her gregarious smile and sweetness of heart. Jeanie was an active member of the Altar Society and PTA, lending her talents for funerals, bake sales, carnivals and dinners.
Jeanie loved watching sunsets, which to her was God's signature at the end of each day. She enjoyed traveling south while driving their motor home. Jeanie loved to golf, bowl and water ski. Jeanie was a loyal fan of all her family's sporting events, along with cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Lions.
Ken and Jeanie were among the original founders of the Grand Traverse Pavilions Endowment Fund (Clara McManus & Friends). They were inducted into the GTACS Hall of Fame in 2009. Through their generosity and loving hearts, Ken and Jeanie held true to the teaching that "One should give back to the Lord for all He has given us."

Jeanie is survived by her children, Teresa S. (Gerard) Casper of Traverse City; Diane M. (Robert) Wolcheck of Chatham NJ; Kathryn A. (Lawrence) Mousseau, Kenneth J. Knudsen and David G. (Jane) Knudsen of Traverse City; Barbara J. (Thomas) Kudwa of Traverse City and Ludington; Michael J. (Tammy) Knudsen of Traverse City; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

Jeanie's surviving siblings are three sisters; Donna M. Lang of Waterford, Teresa P. Chubbuck of Twinsburg, OH; and Rosie A. Basten of Clermont, FL and one brother, James L. Kishefsky of Traverse City.
Jeanie was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, a daughter, Susan M. Knudsen, and a son, Brian J. Knudsen, as well as her brothers. Gregory P. and Paul D. Kishefsky.


Visitation for Jeanie will take place at St. Francis Catholic Church from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. At 7 p.m. the Rosary will be prayed, followed by a scripture service, concluding with the sharing of personal memories of Jeanie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 29, at St. Francis with visitation at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carmelite Monastery or St. Francis Catholic Church.

Please share your memories and thoughts with Jeanie's family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral and Cremation Services.