Violet Houseknecht

Mrs. Violet E. Houseknecht, 95, of 6252 E. CR 350 N., Rolling Prairie, IN., died Feb. 26, 2004, at 4:00 a.m. at her home. She was born Feb. 19, 1909, in Wills Twp., LaPorte Co., IN., to David and Sarah Short Stoner, and had lived here all of her life. Mrs. Houseknecht had her first beauty shop in New Carlisle moving to Rolling Prairie in 1937, continuing her beauty shop until the early 80?s. Sometimes she gave a permanent to high school students for prom night, only to lend them dresses, jewelry and what ever they needed for the occasion. Being a lover of animals she raised pheasants for the Rolling Prairie Conservation Club, to release in the area. Many times she would bring animals into her house for warmth and to nurse them back to health. Kittens, puppies, chickens, little pigs and one time a lamb had residence in the basement until they could fen for themselves. She stayed and took care of many neighbors and friends, having worked at Holy Family Hospital as a nurse?s aid for many years. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie and the Christian Women?s Fellowship of the Church, a charter member of the Rolling Prairie Order of the Eastern Star #582, and received her 50 year membership award, West Galena Home Demonstration Club, Boot Jack Community Club, Wills Twp. Farm Bureau, and the Historian of the Rolling Prairie Alumni. On April 16, 1933, in Rolling Prairie, she married Benjamin Henry Houseknecht, who preceded in death on Jan. 13, 1977. Also preceded in death are her parents; one son, Charles F. Houseknecht; one granddaughter, Leigh A. Spaeth; and one son-in-law, Chuck Jorgenson. Surviving are three daughters, Shirlene Harold Neukam, Cherill Donald Spaeth, and Nancy Jorgenson all of Rolling Prairie, IN.; one son Jon Gayle Houseknecht of LaPorte, IN.; one daughter-in-law, Diane Houseknecht of Rolling Prairie, IN.; one sister, Nellie Basil Jones of New Carlisle, IN.; thirteen grandchildren, Martin C. Smith, Tam S. Smith Rinker, Gina Spaeth, Cindy Spaeth, Kim Samford, Kisha Jorgenson Lazo, Wayne Jorgenson, Jonale Houseknecht, Aarie Houseknecht, Cody Houseknecht, Colt Houseknecht, Jeff Houseknecht, and Dr. Jenny Houseknecht.; and 11 great grandchildren. The funeral will be Saturday Feb. 28, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. LaPorte time at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, with the Rev. Ransom Ebersole officiating. Friends may call Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be in the Rolling Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contrutions may be made to the First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie, or the Rolling Prairie Order of the Eastern Star. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Violet E. Houseknecht please visit our Sympathy Store.