Zelma M. (Hornung) Knoeber, 89, died Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. She was born on June 18, 1920 in Spearville, the daughter of Albert and Emma Mary (Droste) Hornung.

Zelma grew up in Windthorst and attended school there, graduating from Windthorst High School. On September 23, 1940, she married Bernard H. Knoeber at Windthorst. He preceded in death on December 15, 2001. Together, they owned and operated the Spearville Mercantile Store.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella both of Spearville.

Zelma is survived by two sons, Mark Knoeber and wife Kathi of Parkville, Missouri and Steve Knoeber and wife Julie of Spearville; four daughters, Donna Pointelin of Cape Coral, Florida, Jane Thomas and husband Pete of Cimarron, Lea Herrman and husband Ron of Dodge City, and Mae Clark and husband Mike of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and two sister-in-laws, Louise Hornung and Edith Hornung. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Bernard, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Clem, Swidbert, Julius, and Chester; and one sister, Emma Lauris Issinghoff.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Spearville on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Spearville. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Spearville, on Tuesday September 15, 2009 at 4:00 PM. Vigil service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday September 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Memorials are to the donor's choice and can be sent in care of Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.