Jan A. Knobbe

Jan Annette Knobbe, born November 3, 1955, to Jess and Doris (Russell) Knobbe in Scott City,
Kansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, May 31, 2018. Moving to
Lamar, Colorado at the age of two, with her parents and two older siblings, Jan attended Lamar
public and Catholic schools. During this time her family also welcomed two younger brothers,
making Jan the middle of five children. Active in girl scouts, square dancing, swim team and
cheerleading, Jan graduated from Lamar High School with honors, prior to receiving her degree
at Lamar Community College.

Following a couple years of participation in beauty pageantry, Jan married Jack Johnson of Wild
Horse, Colorado, in August 1981, in Lamar. To this union were born Alexander and Heather
Johnson, in 1982 and 1983, respectively; Jan’s proudest accomplishments!

Is there anyone who loved life more than Jan? Jan could light up a room just walking in. She
had a great laugh, a beautiful smile and was incredibly sincere and genuine. She possessed
great energy and was a very kind, joyful soul. Jan never lost her sense of childlike wonder and
innocence about the world around her. She never became cynical or pessimistic. She never
lost her ability to see the good in life and in people. She was eternally optimistic. She was truly
beautiful on the inside, as well as on the outside.

A long career in the spa industry as a manicurist and esthetician, in Parker, Colorado, came to
an end when Jan moved back to her childhood hometown, Lamar, in the fall of 2016. Jan was
very sociable, so while some of us take a long time to make friends – Jan could make friends in
minutes. She made lots of friends just in the short time she had after moving back to Lamar.
So many people have expressed their sadness and remorse at losing Jan as their friend.

In the last decade, Jan was blessed by five beautiful grandchildren, who would call her “Nina”;
ages 1-9. She was also blessed to retain a lifelong friendship with her former husband, Jack
Johnson.

Jan’s Christian Faith was at the center of her life, and she kept her Faith throughout her entire
adult life. Sharing her Faith with her children and grandchildren was especially important,
never resting until her final family member’s Salvation was secure. Why? Because she realized,
as we all should, that ultimately all we have to hold on to in this life is love and the promise of
eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. Her example and legacy speak to us and call us to that
same rock-solid faith in Almighty God.

Jan fought a courageous 12 year battle against cancer with an amazing spirit, lead by God’s
Grace. The courage Jan showed was truly beautiful and inspiring. We are all inspired to live and
face our adversity with that same courage and dignity. Jan showed us how to leave this earth
with the same optimism, joy and faith. She smiled through the pain. She smiled when we were
fighting back the tears. Jan lifted all of us up in her last days when we were trying to lift her up!
May we all take notes to lift others up, regardless of what we’re facing in our own lives.

Jan passed peacefully, at Denver Hospice, with a daughter and three siblings by her side. Jan’s
bubbly personality and infectious laugh will be missed by everyone whom her life touched.


If Jan could speak to us today, we believe she would say: “Quit sniffling and put a smile on
your face! My pain is over! Praise the Lord! I’m with Jesus, my Savior and Lord! You can’t
imagine the place I’m in! It is so beautiful and peaceful here! I’m in a place where there is ‘no
more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away.’ (Revelation 21: 4). Promise me you’ll come be with me someday. Accept Jesus
Christ into your hearts as your Lord and Savior. Keep smiling! Keep laughing! Keep loving!
Enjoy your friends and family! Keep making new friends! Keep looking at the bright side of
things! Our time here is short – Enjoy every minute of your life!”

Jan was predeceased by her Dad, Jess Knobbe, whom she joined in Heaven. Survivors include
Son, Alexander (Rabecka) Johnson of Castle Rock; Daughter, Heather (Josh) Berard of Parker;
Five grandchildren, Carter, Elijah and Beau Berard; Ariya and Kaleah Johnson; Mother, Doris
Raleigh of Colorado Springs; Sister, Renee (Tim) Hughes of Greeley; Three Brothers, Steve
(Linda) Knobbe of Lamar; Kyle (Ellen) Knobbe of Pueblo; Chris Knobbe of Frederick; Former
Husband, Jack Johnson of Kit Carson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

After a private family service at Peacock Funeral Home in Lamar, at Jan’s request, a public
Memorial Service will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 600 E. Parmenter, Lamar,
Saturday, July 7th, 11:00 am. Following a brief Interment of Ashes at Fairmount Cemetery in
Lamar, the public is invited to share a Celebration of Jan’s Life at St. Cletus Hall in the Church at
approximately 12:30 pm. Jan requested we share her family memories with family and her
many friends via video and photographs, as well as music that was close to her heart. This will
include live music performed by family members.