Lorene Knackstedt

Lorene Marie Knackstedt, age 89 of Alhambra, IL, died Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland, IL.

She was born on Wednesday, May 06, 1936, in rural Worden, IL, the daughter of Leonard and Norma (nee Oltman) Hosto.

On July 12, 1959, she married Lewis Carl Knackstedt at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL, who survives.

Lorene graduated from Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, IL in 1954. After graduation, she worked at Marine Garment Factory in Marine, IL. Following her marriage, she was an Avon representative for many, many years. Lorene and Lewis were blessed with three sons: Rodney, Kent, and Perry.

In addition to attending every sporting event her boys were involved in, she was active in sporting events of her own. Lorene participated in fast-pitch softball, followed by slow-pitch softball until the age of 70. She also bowled in several leagues for 45+ years. Lorene was very active in the Alhambra community throughout her entire married life as she volunteered her time in numerous ways and was active in various clubs and church groups.

She was a member of Salem UCC Women’s Guild, holding various offices, Salem UCC church choir, Salem UCC Sunday School teacher for 50 years, Alhambra Community Club, volunteer at the Alhambra Grade School library, a 4-H leader, and a member of Madison County Homemakers Extension club. Lorene and Lewis enjoyed participating in several card clubs and loved to travel to family reunions throughout the years. Lorene loved listening to and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life, and she attended as many of their events as possible.

Lorene and Lewis recently moved to Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Highland, IL.

Survivors include:

Sons - Rodney (Kelly) Knackstedt and Kent L. Knackstedt; Daughter-In-Law - Brenda Knackstedt; Grandchildren - Crystal (Ryan) Haselhorst, Jeremiah (Amy) Knackstedt, Briana (Jesse) Eller, Justin (Amara) Knackstedt, Ashley (Sam) Stearns and Bryce Knackstedt; Sister - Alice Stille; Sisters-In-Law - Vicki Hosto and Adelia Hosto; and Great Grandchildren - Mason Haselhorst, Maddox Haselhorst, Everett Knackstedt, Oliver Knackstedt, Bennett Knackstedt, Eloise Knackstedt, Lyle Eller, Louie Eller, Leo Eller and Jace Knackstedt.

She was preceded in death by:

Son - Perry L. Knackstedt; Daughter-In-Law - Carla Knackstedt; Parents - Norma Anna Hosto (nee Oltmann) and Leonard W. Hosto; Grandchildren - Hannah Knackstedt and Nicole Knackstedt; Brothers - Ramon Hosto, Roy Hosto and Brother-In-Law - Wayne Stille.

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL, with Rev. Jeremy Wood, Salem UCC, officiating.

Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Cemetery, Salem Memorial Fund, Vincent Cemetery.

Obit Provided By:
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home