Mary Evalena Knipfel, 80, of Montgomery City, MO, died on Sunday, August 13, 2017, at the New Florence Care Center in New Florence, MO.

Mary Evalena Knipfel was born October 21, 1936 in Vienna, MO, to John Whalen and Belva Elrod Whalen. After graduating from high school she received her BS in education at the University of Missouri Columbia and then received her masters at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. She married John Knipfel on November 21, 1959 in Mexico, MO. Together they were married over 57 wonderful years. Mrs. Knipfel was well known in the community as a math and algebra teacher in the Montgomery County School District for over 30 years. Her students, family, and friends can certainly remember her serious and no nonsense approach to learning. Her passion in earlier years of her life was her teaching. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, and spending time with family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Knipfel is survived by her husband, John Knipfel of Montgomery City, MO; two children: Karla Uthlaut and husband, Mark, of Montgomery City, MO; and Kevin Knipfel and wife, Lisa, of Jonesburg, MO; and four grandchildren: Chad Werner and wife, Cheri, and their son, Odin, of Columbia, MO; Stephanie Werner and her daughter, Kaydence, of St. Charles, MO; Ryan Knipfel of Kansas City, MO; and Kayla Knipfel of Springfield, MO. Also surviving is one sister, Emma Jaccarino and husband, Mike, of Mexico, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mrs. Knipfel was preceded in death by her parents, John and Belva Whalen; and four brothers: Eugene, Leslie, Willard, and Eddie Whalen.

Funeral services were held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The Reverend Jim Cline officiated and interment was in the Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City, MO. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Larry Whalen, Scott Whalen, Chad Werner, Ryan Knipfel, Jay Whalen, and Vince Ebers. Honorary casketbearers included Stephanie Werner, Kayla Knipfel and Kaydence Werner.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery County Senior Center, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.