Barbara Ann Knisely

Barbara Ann Knisely, 82, of Tecumseh passed away on August 26, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 1, 1933 to Floris and Elizabeth (Kurtz) Balk in Monroe, Mich. On June 21, 1952, she married Dr. Carlos L. Knisely in Monroe, eventually moving to Tecumseh in January 1958.

Working alongside her husband, Barbara raised their seven children and managed the Tecumseh Veterinary Hospital for 37 years. She was active in the community, participated in Mother of Twins Club, and was a member and past-president of both Herrick Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Altar Society. With a smile that would light up a room, she loved to entertain, go dancing, and play cards with her family and friends. Barbara shone brightest when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always spoiled them with baked goods and pies.

Barbara is survived by her husband Carlos, children: Pearl (Thomas) Holdsworth of Troy; Michael (Thelma) Knisely of Golden Valley, Minnesota; Patrice (Bruce) Sommers of Manchester; Pamela (Michael) Creswell of Tecumseh; Paula Maves of White Lake; and Kristen Luce of Jackson, 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Delores Fountain, Arthur Balk, Joseph Balk, Kathryn Vajdik, and her dearest friend of 73 years, Fran (Liparoto) Johnson.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, sister Phyllis Balk and son Daniel.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Cambrian Memory Care facility and Hospice of Lenawee for their compassionate and patient care of Barbara. Thank you for the love and tenderness you showed her each moment.

Visitation for Barbara was held on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes from 6-8 p.m. and will be held again on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 2-8 p.m. with the Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Adrian at 10 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. 

Interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.