Obituary

Sarah G. Knecht-Berndt

Sarah Gail Knecht (52) died on December 22, 2022 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, Illinois.  She is survived by her husband, Larry Berndt, daughter, Dr. Jade Kestian (CJ Stachurski), son, Jackson Kestian, son, Jace Berndt, brother, Samuel Knecht (Nitaya), and parents, Ruth and Jim Knecht.

In life Sarah was a daughter, wife, sister, mother, and friend to many.  A proud graduate of University High School and Illinois State University, she was a lover of horses, dogs, cats, books, and was a great storyteller.  In her youth she was an accomplished equestrian.  She was a devoted mother who made choices that were in the best interests of her children.  Her work at Project Oz, Chestnut Health, and State Farm all had the common element of helping others.

A memorial service will be held at Kibler Brady Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington on Friday, December 30.  Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and a service at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ronald McDonald House, or the humane/rescue society of your choice

12/27/2022 Update

Sarah Knecht’s memorial service will be held at Kibler. Brady, Ruestman Memorial Home on Friday December 30th. Visitation from 10 to 11, and a service at 11. Please share this information with Sarah’s friends who may not see this post. In lieu of flowers consider a gift to Ronald McDnald House or the Humane Society of your choice.

12/22/2022 Update:

Another post from Sarah's Dad.  

At 3:00 pm on 12-22-22, Sarah Knecht left the mortal bounds of earth and joined friends and relatives in the hereafter where she will get to ride Power, Percy, Sweet Justice and the great PJ, and maybe a casual ride on Chico and Foxy. So many people have shared memories of her giving, caring acts and words. Her children, Jade’s husband , Larry and Ruth and I were with her as she died. We are grateful to have had her for 52 years, and are blessed to have  warm, rich memories. We do not memorialize perfection, or claim she had no flaws, but we do memorialize her humanity— she understood we are all in this life together no matter the prayer we speak, or the song we sing, or the higher power we worship. Our differences are of little matter. We are on the journey together. Goodbye Sarah Gail, it has been a gift to know you.

12/19/2022

Facebook post from Sarah's father.   Will update with arrangements as they become availible.

Sarah’s family and Sarah have entered the end of life process in collaboration with Gift of Life, so if eligible her organs will be donated to individuals and families. We understand grief and sorrow but also grasp the meaning to be derived from this gift she is able to give. This fits Sarah to a T. She is a registered organ donor, and the entire family knows and agrees this is the perfect way to honor Sarah and her legacy of help and giving that has marked her time on earth—from the care she provided to friends, Project Oz and Chestnut as well as her warm, working relationships at State Farm.
     We are a family that relishes warm, vibrant memories and we have many. We are grateful to have Sarah in our lives, and will be grateful for every precious memory.