Lorene L. Knedgen

Lorene L. Knedgen, 92, of Parsons, passed away at 6:10 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society in Parsons.

Lorene Louise Burlingame was born on August 28, 1927, to Steve Clarence and Pearl May (Smith) Burlingame in Cherryvale, Kansas. As a young girl, she grew up and attended country schools in the Cherryvale area.

Over the years, Lorene worked at a number of places in Parsons. She was the assistant manager at Peter Pan, worked at Ron's IGA, Consumers Grocery Store, the former Fred Ronald Manufacturing and Broderick's and in the Parsons Middle School cafeteria. She also worked with her daughter, Stephanie, in her businesses, O.J.'s, Tuggles and Main Street Steak and Grill.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella. Helping with the funeral dinners was one of her favorite activities. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, and especially attending her children and grandchildren's sporting events. She also enjoyed baking, quilting, canning and gardening and was blessed with a green thumb.

On October 6, 1945, Lorene and William L. "Bill" Knedgen were united in marriage at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2010.

Survivors include:

Three daughters – Patricia Wilkerson and her husband, Dale, of Owasso, Oklahoma

Christa Sevart of Parsons, Kansas

Stephanie Tuggle and her husband, David, of Parsons, Kansas

Four grandchildren – Stacy Hoffman; Jason Sevart; Heather Owen, DVM and her husband, Dustin; and Josh Sevart and his wife, Jordan

Nine great-grandchildren – Samuel Hoffman, Madison Owen, Hannah Hoffman, Keira Owen, Isabella Owen, Grayson Owen, Jude Sevart, Nora Sevart, and Quinn Sevart

Three sisters – Irma Knedgen of Girard, Kansas

Irene Bolen of Parsons, Kansas

LaDonna Reedy of Neodesha, Kansas

Her golden retriever, "Buddy"

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William L. "Bill" Knedgen; one son, Vincent Knedgen; one son-in-law, Dana Sevart; and one sister, Naydene Walters.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2020, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 6, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Family will receive friends immediately after the rosary. The rosary and the Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page. For all events, social distancing guidelines will be followed, including the requirement of face masks.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church or St. Patrick Catholic School. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.