Elsie H. Knishka

Elsie H. Knishka died on November 21, 2024, at the age of 92 at Waunakee Valley Senior Living with her family by her side. Born on June 2, 1932, to Peter and Sarah E. Hamilton Michaels in Camden, New Jersey, Elsie was orphaned at an early age and raised at The Carson College for Orphan Girls in Flourtown, Pennsylvania. Elsie didn’t share much about her younger years, but we do know that the orphanage is where she learned to make her delicious soups and where she developed her strong, independent personality.

Elsie married Thomas Knishka in 1967 and moved from Philadelphia to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where their son, Scott, was born. After then living in Freeport, Illinois, they moved to Boerne, Texas, and built their dream home away from the Midwest Winters. Once grandchildren started arriving though, they returned to Wisconsin to shovel snow yet again, and more importantly, to be an integral and loving part of their grandchildren’s lives. Despite their moves across the country and the passage of time, a part of Elsie always remained in Pennsylvania.

Elsie was strong in her faith, and loved singing in the choir, fishing, gardening, all animals (except snakes), a strong Old Fashioned, and telling her grandkids to “put on a coat.”

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Tom, her brother-in-law, Bob Knishka, and six older brothers and sisters, her favorite of whom was George Michaels. She is survived by her son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, grandchildren Ryan, Matthew, Caili, and Thomas, and sister-in-law, Verna Knishka.

The family wants to thank the priests at St. John’s for their support, as well as Rachel, Melanie, and Kayla from Agrace Hospice. Your kindness and support during this time was immeasurable. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St, Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.