- Date Of Birth: November 15, 1920
- Date Of Death: September 16, 2011
- State: Illinois
June Imol Heinlein Knepler, 90, of South Jacksonville, IL died peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2011, at her home surrounded by family. She was born November 15, 1920, in Okawville, IL; the daughter of John and Sarah Staude Heinlein. She grew up and attended local schools in Mascoutah, IL, and later graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She taught English and Latin for Mascoutah High School and later for New Canton High School, where she met her future husband, R. Ralph Knepler. After their first year of teaching, Ralph enlisted in the US Navy. She would later join him in Atlanta, GA where they were married on August 26, 1944. They moved to Jacksonville in 1946 where they raised their six children, John Knepler (wife, Lyn) of Bowling Green, KY, Nancy Brodie (husband, Kevin) of Jacksonville, Karen Emerson of Missoula, MT, Betty Gibson (husband, Pat) of Jacksonville, Bob Knepler (wife, Kim) of Jacksonville, and Gary Knepler (wife, Mary) of Frisco, TX.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, John Donald Heinlein of South Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband on April 20, 2011.
June was a homemaker but actively involved in Entre Nous Toastmistress Club, South Jacksonville Unit of Home Extension, and Morgan County Garden Club. She volunteered at Passavant Hospital and was of the Methodist faith. An avid reader, June had a passion for books and reading which she shared with her children. Reading was a hobby that she would continue her entire life. She also loved plants and flowers as was evidenced by her yard and flower gardens, which she generously shared with others. She greatly enjoyed bird watching, especially cardinals. June and Ralph loved to travel and enjoyed many trips throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and cruises to the Mediterranean and Panama Canal. She also loved to collect rocks during her many visits to Montana. They also enjoyed many years of Pinochle Marathons and the strong friendships they made. June was especially devoted to her family and took great pride in each of their successes and achievements.
