Vivian Knopik

Vivian Knopik, 84 year old resident of Little Falls, MN died Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Hennepin Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 27 at 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church Belle Prairie, MN. Friends may call from 5-8 PM on Wednesday at the church and from 9-10 AM on Thursday at the church. Parish Prayers will be said at 6:00 PM. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Vivian Beatrice Knopik was born May 27th, 1923 in Little Falls, MN to the late Arthur and Rose Eva (Bastien) LeBlanc. She was born and raised in rural Little Falls, MN with her three siblings Lorraine, Fred and Jerome. On October 28, 1941 she was united in marriage to Michael Knopik. Shortly after marriage Vivian and Michael moved to Seattle, WA where Vivian worked at Boeing Aircraft until the end of the war. Once the war ended, the couple moved back to Little Falls and lived on a farm in Belle Prairie Township where they raised their two daughters, Charlene and Cheryl. She worked at Loretta's as a seamstress and salesperson for 25 years. She then became a foster-grandparent and for 10 years worked in the Little Falls Middle School. Later, Vivian became a paraprofessional and worked in various schools and particularly enjoyed working with children. She was working at the Harmony House in Little Falls from December, 2006 until the present. Vivian enjoyed sewing, playing cards, listening and dancing to polka music and visiting with family and friends. Knowing her well meant enjoying her company, appreciating her love of life and admiring her warm and generous spirit. Vivian is survived by her daughters, Charlene Jelinski and husband, Jerry, Cheryl Stanek and husband, Charlie all of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Todd Jelinski, Scott Jelinski Lisa Carr, Stacy Botner and Maria Burnham and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Rose Eva (Bastien) LeBlanc; husband, Michael Knopik; sister, Lorriane (LeBlanc) Richner; brothers, Jerome LeBlanc and Fred LeBlanc. In Lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Poly Cystic Kidney Foundation. Arrangements for Vivian are with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service East Chapel. 1-320-632-4393.