Arlene Knerr was born October 5, 1924. She grew up in Royersford, PA and was the youngest of three. At the age of 19, her love of music and adventure led her to California where she joined a choir. The choir director had a nephew, George Daniel Knerr Jr., (Dan) who was in the Navy. He took a liking to Arlene, and she to him. They married in 1948, and within 9+ years God blessed them with 5 children: Nancy, John, Mark, Jim, and Janet. Over the years, the family lived mostly in Santa Ana and San Jose. Dan’s job moved him and Arlene to Illinois, Kansas, the Philippines, Yugoslavia, Pollock Pines, and Placerville.
As a widow, Arlene moved to Los Osos in 1990. She was passionate about teaching, whether small children in preschool or seniors in a nursing home. She was also passionate about driving her car with a stick shift, up until she passed away. Her pastor commented, “Arlene is the only person I know who drives a stick shift and uses a walker!”
Those who knew Arlene knew what a determined, strong, feisty woman she was. She loved music, her animals, and Mexican food with margaritas. Throughout her life, however, her faith in God and her love for Jesus was the most important thing. She attended and served at Grace Church in SLO for many years before joining Baywood Park Community Church. Arlene was always on the lookout for some other way she could serve and help others, even working in Adult Protective Services in her later years.
On June 30, 2020, Arlene passed from this life onto Heaven with her son John by her side. She is survived by her children: John, Mark, Jim, and Janet, her grandchildren Rachel, Brad, JJ, Nic, Kristen, Trevor, Becca, Elisabeth, Mark Jr., and Danielle, and her great-grandchildren Ellie and Mollie.
A private family service will be held in August.
