Pearl Emma Knapp Eckhart Reetz, age 97, New London, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in Fond du Lac.
She was born on July 20, 1920 in the Town of Lebanon, daughter of the late John and Esther (Frank) Knapp. Pearl worked for several area restaurants, at Hortonville Toy Factory, Juvenile Furniture, Prahl’s Bowling Alley, and Vandrees. Pearl enjoyed crocheting and made many afghans for her family.
Pearl is survived by her daughters, Janet Westphal, Fond du Lac; Judy (Dave) Mundt, Manes, Missouri; stepson, Chuck (Peggy) Reetz, Kimberly; grandchildren, Kevin (Patti) Westphal and Lori (Kurt) Hardie, both of Fond du Lac; step-grandson, Chuck (Angela) Reetz; six great-grandchildren: Melissa Hardie, Caleb Westphal, Kelly (Calvin) Grover, David (Katie) Hardie, Seth Westphal, Bethany Westphal and step great-grandchildren, Ethan and Myra; three great-great-grandchildren, Jacob, Breyden and Emilee. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Earl Eckhart; second husband Rueben Reetz; two sisters, Ruby (Lenny) Roff and Lois (Jerry) Gitter; a brother Norman Knapp; and son-in-law, David Westphal.
Funeral services for Pearl will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. Rev. William Heiges will be officiating. Visitation for Pearl will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 1-5 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in New Maple Creek Cemetery in the spring.
The family wishes to thank Pastor Heiges for his frequent visits. They also thank The Bridges of Appleton for their wonderful care they gave our mother during her 14 month stay. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Grancare Health and Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care to our mother. They learned that she touched many hearts and will be missed. A special thank you from Judy for their wonderful hospitality during her three week stay with her mom. The family also thanks Home of Hope Hospice.
The casket bearers for Gramma BoBo will be her great-grandchildren, Melissa Hardie, Caleb Westphal, Kelly Grover, David Hardie, Seth Westphal and Bethany Westphal. Honorary casket bearers will be Jacob Krause, Breyden Hardie and Emilee Grover.
The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com