Lorraine M. (Prough) Knisely

Lorraine M. (Prough) Knisely, 88, of Duncansville, went home to be with the Lord on Friday April 26, 2024, at her home in Duncansville, surrounded by family.

She was born April 11, 1936, in Altoona, the daughter of Paul and Helen (Burk) Prough. She married Wayne Knisely of Claysburg on September 7, 1955. They had a very special relationship which remained strong until he went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2013.

Lorraine was extremely proud of her children:  Gary Weyandt (Sharon) of Bedford, and Debbie Gray (Donald), Donna Hendrick and LeAnne Steiner, all of Duncansville; her seven grandchildren: Gary Weyandt Jr. (Laurie), Faith Walker, Amber and Bryanna Steiner, Aaron Keet, and Garrett & Jared Thomas; her great and great-great grandchildren.

Lorraine is also survived by her sister Donna (Prough) Claar, whom she dearly loved, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Lorraine loved the Lord.  She provided a good Godly home for her family, while sharing her beautiful music wherever she went. 

She began singing beside her mother at the piano at the age of 3, and never stopped.  She began playing the organ at St. Patrick Church in Newry when she was 12, then went on to become choir director there until she moved to St. Catherine’s Church where she served as organist and choir director until 2022.

She also sang in choruses and choirs throughout her life and traveled to several different countries singing with them.  She sang in country bands; the RFDs with husband Wayne, and Paul and the Country Dreamers with her nephew Paul Claar. 

Lorraine retired from Butterick in Altoona after 31 years of service and from there went to work at the Shoe Dept. and then to her favorite job of all – Music Teacher at St. Patrick School where she influenced so many young people to get involved and have fun with music!!

Lorraine loved to travel, read, cook, host parties and picnics, camp, go to the beach, play games, paint ceramics, and the list goes on.  She was very active and passionate about everything she did.

She was raised in Newry, and became the first female council member there in the early 1970’s.

Lorraine could often be found with family and friends gathered around singing with the guitars or piano.  She dearly loved her family and many people called her a friend. She will be greatly missed.

“Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Friends will be received from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 3, 2024, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Duncansville.  Graveside service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, with a memorial dinner to follow at Grace Family Bible Church, 2243 Mill Rd. Duncansville.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Wounded Warriors Project.

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