Carolyn S. Kniess

Carolyn S. Kniess, 83, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Carolyn was born February 15, 1943, in Bessemer, Michigan, daughter of Paul and Marilyn (Swindell) Earle. Although, she was born in Michigan the family moved very shortly after that to Dallas, Texas where she grew up. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School. While in Wichita, Carolyn worked for the Wichita Falls newspaper. She married Dennis Kniess and they were married for 32 years.

In 2001, she received her Associates Degree in graphic design from N.T.C. in Wausau. For most of her adult life, Carolyn was a homemaker. She worked for the former Merrill Courier newspaper as a graphic designer and as a seamstress at Satins Plus Silks in Merrill. She also worked as an associate at TJ Maxx.

Carolyn was an artist and loved to sew and work on crafts. Using her talents, she made many banners for local churches. Carolyn also enjoyed tending to her flowers. Carolyn was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill and then became a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Merrill.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia (Jim) Leskey of Merrill; son, Kevin (Michelle) Kniess of Verona; grandchildren, Matt Leskey, Nick Leskey, Cassandra Kniess, and Madison Kniess; sister, Cynthia (Mark) Albers of Kaufman, Texas; and former spouse, Dennis ‘Denny’ Kniess of Merrill. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Earle and Marilyn Earle Barham; and sister, Judith Diane Barham.

A private service will take place at a later date.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com