Susan D. Kneller

May 29, 1949 - April 25, 2022

Susan (Sue) D. Kneller, 72, of Bonita Springs, FL formerly of Des Moines, IA passed peacefully on April 25, 2022. Daughter of the late Chester and Marjorie (Stowell) Gillard, she was born in Bloomington, IL. Sue graduated from Normal Community High School in Normal, IL and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Illinois State University where she met life-long friends and the love of her life. Sue taught 5th grade for a few years in Illinois and then worked as the Counseling Office Manager at Hoover High School in Des Moines, Iowa. She loved her co-workers and especially enjoyed helping students in her role, retiring after 22 years of service. Sue had a great love of horses, stemming from when she was a little girl. She grew up riding in the farming country of central Illinois. In later years, Sue spent as much time as she could at the Wildwood Hills Ranch in Iowa, where she happily volunteered grooming horses and performing various stabling duties to be close to these gentle beasts she so loved. At the ranch, Sue also helped with guided tours for young and beginner riders, hoping to inspire a love of horses in those who visited. Sue was a caring mother who worked hard to keep up with the on-goings of raising three children and holding the fort on her own during the many weeks of the year her husband traveled for business. In recent years, if she wasn’t with her grandchildren, you might find her enjoying time with a special group of friends at Panera or walking her favorite little dog. To have Sue in your circle was a blessing. Her loyalty and strong faith in God was evident in the way she prayed and loved so many. She lived Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God also forgave you.” Sue is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, William F. Kneller; sons, Todd (Elizabeth) Kneller and Aaron “AJ” (Brandi) Kneller; daughter, Amy (Ian) Miller; grandchildren, Jakob, Bryce, Allison, Kylar, and Kadence; sister, Deb (the late Don) Wilkinson; and brother, Rick (Trisa) Gillard. Sue lived a full life and until the very end was a contribution to those around her with love, joy, and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held in Des Moines, IA at Reach Church on June 18, 2022 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM. The family wishes any memorial donations be made to these charities in Sue’s honor: Vitas Community Connection (https://vitascommunityconnection.org/; Alzheimer’s Support Network (http://support.network/online-donations); or the Wildwood Hills Ranch of Iowa (https://www.wildwoodhillsranch.org/donate/one-time-donation/). To sign Susan’s guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated since 1978