Pauline Kniffen Obituary
We announce the death of Pauline Kniffen (Yankton, South Dakota), who passed away on June 28, 2026, at the age of 89. Pauline will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, John Kutilek and Mary Kutilek (Sykora); her husbands, Richard Ekern (Dick) and Harold Kniffen; her siblings, Emil Kutilek (Josie), Ben Kutilek (Violet), Jim Kutilek, John Kutilek, Agnes Kortan (Joe), Eileen, Bessie Petrik (Steve), Albina Hejna (Joe), Marie Lane-Randel (Glen), Helen (Harold) and Rempp Zdenek (Joe); her great grandchild Chase Besette; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Blanche Ekern; and her stepson Bruce Kniffen.
She is survived by: her daughters, Cindi Goeden (Brian) of Crofton, NE, Debbie Kubel (Myron) of Avon, SD, Judy Dvoracek (Mark) of Fargo, ND and Karen Wiese (Jeff) of Pipestone, MN; her stepsons, Doug Kniffen (Karol) of Wagner, SD, Robert Kniffen (Lila) of Cincinnati, OH and Bryon Kniffen of Orange City, IA; her stepdaughter-in-law Ladonna Kniffen of Yankton, SD; her grandchildren, Melissa McKinnon, Jason Kubel (Blake), Jackie Kubel, Rachel LaCivita (Payton), Christin Besette (Brad), Travis Dvoracek, Zachary Wiese and Nicole Munkvold (Trevor); her great grandchildren, Owen, Heidi, Hope, Kohen, Evelyn and August; and her sister-in-law Marilyn Kutilek. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
