Laura Kniepkamp Fuchssteiner

Laura Olinda Ellen Kniepkamp Fuchssteiner was born January 2, 1911 to Henry and Sophie Kniepkamp in Belleville Illinois, the fifth of six children. Laura was an independent woman who worked for an appliance store and was very active in the Southern Illinois District Walther League. She met her future husband Walter Fuchssteiner at a Walther League Convention and they were married on May 4, 1941. They formed a strong team for service to their Lord. Laura fulfilled many roles in her life including the favorite Aunt of many nieces and nephews, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was always very active in her church being known for her mercy and mentoring of women, promoting and leading women’s Bible study, and in later years planning the Ecumenical Vespers at Beacon Hill. She passed on her talents and devotions to her three daughters Martha, Mary and Marge who carry on her spirit in the roles they fulfill in life through church work, counseling, and bible study. In addition to her three daughters Laura had three boys that were very near and dear to her, her sons-in-law, Bob Schmehling, Bob Myers, and Dennis Franzen. Being Grandma to six grandchildren Arthur Schmehling, Beth Schmehling Cook, Jennifer Myers Sollberger, Jeremy Myers, Daniel Franzen, and Caroline Franzen Mouradian gave her great joy and the opportunity to pass on her values and traditions to the next generation, and they continue to be passed on through her great grandchildren Madeline and Emmet Schmehling, Lukas, Joseph and Nathan Sollberger, Elijah and Naamah Myers, and Jaina Franzen. Laura's 100 years were completed April 2, 2011.