Sharon K. "Yntema" Kniola

Sharon K. Kniola, 83, of St. Joseph passed away, peacefully, on September 28, 2024, at Corewell Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan. Sherry was born May 20, 1941, to Clarence and Emma Jean Yntema in Zeeland, MI. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1959 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and later, her master’s degree in early childhood education from Michigan State University. Sherry was a talented baton twirler, who travelled to contests throughout the Midwest in her teens and later twirled as a majorette in the WMU Marching Band. At WMU, she was also a member of the Chi Omega sorority and on the homecoming court. On August 10, 1962, Sherry married Dennis F. Kniola in Zeeland, Michigan, and they shared 62 wonderful years together. After one year teaching for Portage Schools, Sherry moved to Lakeshore Public Schools in Stevensville and Baroda, where she taught Kindergarten, Phys Ed and launched the Music and Motion program for early education. Sherry received the R. James Johnson Educator Award, naming her Teacher of the Year, in 1989. She taught at Lakeshore for 30 years before retiring Sherry is survived by her husband, Denny; children Mike (Nancy) Kniola of White House, TN, Nancy (Jamie) Poelker of Stevensville, MI, Dan (Jennifer) Kniola of Gainesville, GA, and Kathy (Jason) Pawlowski of Milton, GA; seven grandchildren, Savannah (Josh) Jones, Gerrit Marshall, Dalton Kniola, Lucas Kniola, Tyler and Ella Pawlowski and Jason Robinson; sisters Sally (George) LeFevre of San Diego, CA, Nancy Long of Woodstock, GA and sister-in-law Mary Bouwens of Zeeland, MI. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Roger Yntema and niece, Kristi Yntema. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville, MI 49127 with a luncheon following. Please remember that we will be celebrating Sherry’s life, and per her wishes, colorful clothing is requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lakeshore Excellence Foundation, 5771 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, MI 49127.

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Sharon K. "Yntema" Kniola

May 20, 1941 - September 28, 2024