Sharon Knouft

SHARON L. KNOUFT

Sharon L. Knouft, age 68, of Winona, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 25, 1948, in Winona, to Vernon and Lucille (Bandar) Mahaffey, and was a graduate of Cotter High School.  Sharon married Gary Knouft on June 1, 1968, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona; and he preceded her in death on April 30, 2014.

Sharon was employed as a lead administrative assistant for 25 years with Cytec-Fiberite in Winona, and later worked for several years with Catholic Charities in La Crosse.

She will be remembered for her enjoyment of making and selling jewelry, golfing, trips to the casino, and her love of old movies.  Sharon and Gary traveled extensively throughout the country, and one of their most memorable trips was with Brian and Cynthia to Maui.  Some of Sharon’s other favorite destinations included California and Las Vegas.

Sharon is lovingly survived by her children: Brian and Cynthia, both of Los Angeles, CA; beloved dog, Abby; granddog: Lily; mother: Lucille “Bunny” Mahaffey, Minnesota City; sister: Marie (Tim) Kwosek, Minnesota City; brothers: Denis Mahaffey, Bluff Siding, WI; and Gary Mahaffey, Winona; niece and Goddaughter: Nikki Kwosek, Winona; niece: Jenny (Andy) George; nephew: Jay (Angel) Mahaffey; a special cousin: Alice (Eddie) Edel-Hernandez, and her daughter, Geraldine Gonzalez, both of Los Angeles; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; father: Vernon Mahaffey; her beloved grandmother, Mary Bandar; and niece: Missy Kwosek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.

Sharon will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:30 PM.  Visitation will also be held at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka on Thursday, March 30, 2017, from 11 AM until the time of the Mass.

Pallbearers will be Denis and Gary Mahaffey; Marie, Tim, and Nikki Kwosek; Duane Hanson, and Ed Krage.

Sharon’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Alcee Jumonville, IV, Dr. Lori E. Weinberg, and the staff of the Oncology Department of Gundersen Health, and to Winona Area Hospice, for the excellent care that Sharon received.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Sharon’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.