Jean Knodel

Flora Jean (Pesicka) Knodel

Jean Knodel, 79, of Yankton, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026 at the Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Monday, November 9, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton with Rev. Jacob Bobby officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour, SD at approximately 2:30 pm. To view livestreaming of Jean’s service click this link: https://app.attend.live/viewer/event?idEvent=DkJLq. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Flora Jean Knodel, affectionately known to family and friends as Jean, was born on December 10, 1946, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, alongside her twin brother, Floyd James Pesicka. They were the children of Floyd and Clover Pesicka.

Jean spent her early childhood on a farm near Sioux Falls before the family moved to a farm between Hurley and Viborg, South Dakota. Growing up in the country gave Jean a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and the many adventures she shared with her brother and sisters. She and her twin brother were particularly fond of boxing each other, imitating the famous fighters of their day.

Jean attended a nearby one-room country school before graduating from Hurley High School in 1965.

That same year, she moved to Yankton, where she briefly worked at the South Dakota State Hospital before beginning a long career at Dale Electronics. Jean was the consummate professional, known for her dedication and strong work ethic, eventually advancing to a management position overseeing her section of the plant.

Although she had left the family farm, Jean never forgot the importance of family. From the time she moved away until her father’s death in 1977, she drove an hour every Sunday to visit him. It was a simple but remarkable expression of the devotion and loyalty that would characterize her entire life.

In 1978, Jean married Jerald (Jerry) Knodel, beginning a marriage filled with companionship, adventure, and shared interests. Together, they enjoyed camping, square dancing, participating in the Old Iron Club, and being active members of their Lutheran church. Their faith was an important part of their lives, and Jean’s strong Christian beliefs were reflected in her kindness, generosity, and devotion to others.

Family remained at the center of Jean’s world. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially when a family member was competing. Jean and Jerry traveled throughout the Midwest cheering on grandchildren, nieces, and nephews playing baseball, football, basketball, and rugby. She was also a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan.

Jean especially treasured family gatherings. Thanksgiving and Christmas were opportunities to bring those she loved together, and when Jean was cooking, nobody went home hungry. Her warmth and hospitality helped make those occasions special.

Jean also had a lifelong love of animals. She was rarely without a beloved companion dog, and those fortunate enough to share her home received the same kindness and devotion she extended to her family. Molly and Chico were especially cherished companions during her later years with Jerry.

In 1995, Jean and Jerry retired and moved to Georgia, beginning another chapter of their adventures together. They eventually returned to South Dakota, living in the Yankton area before settling in Armour. Throughout their retirement, they continued camping, enjoying church activities, and spending time with family.

Following Jerry’s passing in 2025, Jean returned to Yankton in 2026.

Jean was a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and genuine sweetness. She valued family above all else and showed her love not only through words but through a lifetime of thoughtful actions. Whether traveling to support a family member, faithfully visiting her father, caring for a beloved pet, or preparing a holiday meal, Jean found purpose and happiness in caring for those she loved.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, loyalty, and a family who will dearly miss her.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Clover Pesicka; her beloved husband, Jerald (Jerry) Knodel; her sister, Bonita Held; and her twin brother, Floyd James Pesicka.

She is survived by her sisters, Karen and Cathryn; her sister-in-law, Kim; and her stepchildren, Bonnie Griggs of Yankton, South Dakota; Dana Knodel of Chicago, Illinois; Jay Knodel of Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Barb Schrader of Harrisburg, South Dakota. She is also survived by several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom were very dear to her.