Carol Ann Knepp, 96, a native of this area, teacher, athlete, seamstress, and model of independence, died of complications from COVID-19 on January 18.

She was born on June 17, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Raymond and Laura (Hissong) Knepp.

Also preceding her in death were her twin sister and husband, Gloria and James Wicks of Walkerton, IN; elder sister and husband, Mary and George John, Clearwater, FL; brother Dean and wife Hattie Knepp of Detroit, MI; and an infant brother, Charles Addison Knepp.

She is survived by nieces, Bridget (Jack) Bonham of Indianapolis, IN; and Benedicte Wicks of Oakland, CA; nephews, James Wicks, Jr. (Thomas Malcolm) of Walkerton, IN; and Peter (Daria) Wicks of Jacksonville, FL. Other survivors include her great-niece Alexandra Wicks of Lovettsville, VA; and great-nephews Mateyo (Ashley) Bonham of Denver, CO; Kyle Bonham (Steven Knight) of Indianapolis, IN; and Ryan Wicks of Richmond, VA.

Carol attended Henry Studebaker Elementary School in South Bend and James Whitcomb Riley High School, graduating in 1943. Among many vivid memories of her youth were ice skating on the flooded tennis courts in Studebaker Park, and trips with her mother on the streetcar to the Marie Buczkowski School of Dance where she learned both dance (ballet became a lifelong interest) and acrobatics. She performed at both the German and Norwegian Clubs in South Bend, then thriving ethnic organizations. Another memory is that of dances at the Palais Royale ballroom. Growing up, Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend, where she taught Sunday school, was important to her. From her church and family she gained the strong moral foundation that served her the rest of her life.

As a young woman she worked as a lingerie model for Sears Roebuckand Company, traveling the east and gulf coasts for two years. Unaccompanied, she made her own arrangements for travel, meals, and lodging. She exemplified a woman empowered by her sense of self, independence, reliability, and resourcefulness.

In 1966 she completed an elementary education degree at the University of Maryland. Teaching and here sense of adventure took her to St. Croix, Virgin Islands, for two years. She taught for many years in Westminster, Maryland, and prior to that at Urey Middle School in Walkerton, Indiana.

Carol greatly enjoyed physical activity. Exercise remained an important lifelong focus. She enjoyed skiing and ballet when a young woman, and competitive swimming and cycling later. For several years she kept a small sailboat at Annapolis, MD. She enjoyed sailing excursions on Chesapeake Bay, across which she also swam as a member of the Maryland Masters.                                                                                                               

Carol’s sense of style never left her and she was always careful of her appearance. She excelled at designing, sewing, and tailoring clothes for herself and others.

Her family wishes to extend particular and heartfelt thanks to the devoted staff at Miller’s Merry Manor, Walkerton, for their care and patience with Carol during her four-year stay with them. Cremation has taken place, with interment at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana.

Palmer Funeral Home – Palmer Community Complex, 601 North Michigan Street, Lakeville, Indiana 46536, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the Knepp family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.