Janet L. Kniskern

Janet was born May 16, 1934 in Delhi to Stoddard Stevens and Lurilla Stothard Stevens. She married Wayne Everett Kniskern in 1951. They celebrated 70 years of marriage last August, shortly before his passing.

Janet had all three of her children by the time she was 22. She then went to college at Oneonta and got her teaching degree. She taught 34 years in the Oneonta City School District. Her teaching career started in 1960 at the annex building of the old Greater Plains School. In 1962 she made a move to teach second grade at Valleyview and found her home in first grade in 1966 at Valleyview, which is where she stayed until retirement in 1994.

Janet was very involved with Main Street Baptist Church. Over the years she taught many Sunday School classes, was Sunday School superintendent and worked with the youth group. She served on the deacons committee for years and organized many meals to support families through difficult times. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed serving others.

Always a teacher she was happiest when educating children and would use moments in life to instill learning in inventive ways. Whether taking her grandkids to the pond to catch frogs or hunting for snakes together at the Occhino’s log pile, there was always a lesson to be taught or learned. She would never turn down a request for a new book.

She enjoyed organizing games for her grandkids like the Amazing Race, The Mole or the best friend game (based on the Newly Wed game). Playing hide the toy seven dwarfs was always a favorite of her grandkids and great grandchildren. She even used the seven dwarfs to teach her Sunday school class Bible verses.

Janet and Wayne could always be found supporting Oneonta’s home team whether it be football, soccer, basketball or baseball or music concerts. They traveled lots of miles following grandchildren in their events. The Oneonta grandkids grew up with the saying TGIF, tell grandma it’s Friday. This meant an overnight at Grandma and Grandpa’s house!

Survived by three children, Wayne “Rich” Kniskern (Diane) of VA, Deborah Ransick (Eric) CO, Rebecca Connolly (James, deceased) Oneonta and eight grandchildren, Kenneth Kniskern (Amanda) OK, Karen Kniskern OK, Kate Kniskern (Chandler) OK, Michael Connolly (Andrea) PA, Jonathan Connolly (Alexandra) FL, Megan Connolly (Angelo Carimando) Oneonta, Matthew Ransick, CO and Kimberly Ransick, CO. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, the blessing from God for a long life.

A graveside service will be held sometime in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s memory may be made to Oneonta Dollars for Scholars P.O. Box 1083 Oneonta, NY 13820 or Main Street Baptist Church 333 Main Street Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences to Janet’s family may be made by visiting www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com