Kay Elaine Sherburne Knorr, 74, of Papillion (and formerly of Humboldt and Hastings, Nebraska) passed away at the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  Kay was a deeply devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who treasured time with her family and friends.  She was loved immensely and will be greatly missed.

Kay was born in Humboldt, Nebraska to Keith and Doris Jean (Dee) Ragsdale Sherburne on March 26, 1947.  She was baptized and began her relationship with Jesus at the First Presbyterian Church in Humboldt. In her youth, she was passionate about horseback riding and the country life. She was also proud to serve as a lifeguard at the Humboldt swimming pool.

Kay attended and graduated from the Humboldt Public Schools with the class of 1965.  She received an associate’s degree from Stephens College and a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1970.  Kay was married to David Knorr on June 4, 1969, in Humboldt, Nebraska. Following graduation, they moved to Hastings to begin their careers.  Two children, Ann and Bradley, were born while they lived there.

In 1983, they returned to Kay’s hometown of Humboldt to assist with the family farm during her father’s illness.  She was excited to restore an 1889 rock house from her family’s history and to live in it for 32 years.  Ironically, this was her dream while growing up in Humboldt.

As an adult, she spent many years substitute teaching in Humboldt and neighboring towns which allowed her to be available for her children and their activities.  She worked with her husband as his secretary for many years. She was a member of P.E.O. and the Humboldt Book Club.  She cherished her family and enjoyed the daily visits from her father, prior to his death.

In 2011, Kay’s world was dramatically changed following her diagnosis of scleroderma, a complex autoimmune disease.  As her health declined, Dave and Kay made the difficult decision in 2016 to move to Papillion to be closer to her doctors at the Med Center.

Kay lived out her strong faith in Jesus as an active member and dedicated servant at Faith Lutheran Churches in Hastings and Humboldt. She served in children’s ministry, as congregational secretary, and on numerous committees. We celebrate that she is now at home in heaven with Jesus.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Doris Jean Sherburne, parents-in-law Erich and Geraldine Knorr, sister-in-law Cheryl Sherburne, grandparents, multiple uncles and aunts, and her cousin Eric Nyquist.

Kay is survived by her husband, David of Papillion, NE; children: Ann Hand and husband Don of Papillion; Bradley Knorr and wife Andrea of Easton, CT; grandchildren: Nathanael, Jillian and Laurel Knorr of Easton, CT; Julianna, Alex and Kara Hand; brother Kent Sherburne of Issaquah, WA; aunt, Rhea (Jim) Nyquist; several cousins; and many nephews and nieces and their families.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Tim Llewellyn officiating.  Masks are graciously requested for those attending services and a live-stream broadcast will be available on our Wherry Mortuary/Monument Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Interment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be given in Kay’s honor to Faith Lutheran Church, Humboldt Summer Backpack Program or Orphan Grain Train.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha ST-Humboldt, Nebraska 68376