Janice M. Knoellinger

Janice “Jan” Knoellinger, age 74 years, loving mother of two children and grandmother of five, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023.

Jan was born on June 19, 1948, in Bay City, MI, to Vernon and Edna (DeFrain) Sperry. She was an artistically talented woman who was proud of her work at Walmart in Gaylord, MI. On February 18, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Guy Knoellinger. Together, they faced life’s many challenges. 

Jan loved gardening, reading, and fishing. Her favorite place in the world was the Two-Hearted River, and she made it a point to visit at least once a year. Jan also enjoyed winning cards against her family, which would lead to her infectious laughter.

Janice was preceded in death by her father, Vernon, her mother, Edna, and her beloved husband, Wayne.

She is survived by her children, Amie (Dale) Pierce, of Pleasant Lake, MI, and Kevin (Michelle) Knoellinger, of Gaylord, MI; her five grandchildren, Stephanie and Connor Pierce, and Anthony, Isabel, and Easton Knoellinger; her brothers, Lee (Alberta) Sperry, of Gaylord, MI and Richard (Karen) Sperry, of Frédéric, MI; sister-in-law, Doris Marcet, of Bay City, MI, and brother-in-law, Walt Garbulinski, of Standish, MI; special “sister” cousin, Linda (John) Cunningham, of Kawkawlin, MI; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Janice was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. As per her instructions, there will be no funeral services, and cremation will take place with interment in the spring.