Obituaries: Sister Jeannette Kneifel, OSF, Anita Achtenberg

Sister Jeannette Kneifel, OSF, dies July 8 at age 74

COLORADO SPRINGS. Sister Jeannette Kneifel, OSF, died July 8 at Mount St. Francis Nursing Center as a result of Alzheimer’s demetia. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, followed by burial in Mount St. Francis Cemetery.

Sister Jeannette was born April 16, 1950, in Columbus, Nebraska, the second oldest of four children born to Carl and Delores Kneifel. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 11, 1969, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 6, 1976.

She earned a doctorate in social work from the University of Denver and ministered in Colorado and New Mexico. Along with Sister Frances Sedlacek and Sister Marilyn Uhing, she founded Women Partnering, a network of women that supports financially vulnerable women and children in the Pikes Peak region. She served  as the President and CEO of Women Partnering for 15 years.

She will be remembered as an innovative and fun-loving person who enjoyed playing guitar and banjo.  

Anita Achtenberg, longtime Holy Apostles parishioner, dies at age 74

COLORADO SPRINGS. Anita Lee “Tiny” Achtenberg, 74, passed away on July 8 in Colorado Springs after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 18 at Holy Apostles Parish.

Born on June 4, 1950, in Wichita Falls, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Patricia Drummond.

Anita graduated from Texas Christian University and began her career as a Blood Bank Medical Technologist, a role in which she demonstrated her intrinsic kindness and care for others. She was a devout member of Holy Apostles Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, where she actively practiced her faith and was involved with multiple charities. Anita and her husband Ed were the house coordinators for Monument House, a residence to help former inmates find employment and become financially independent.

Anita cherished the outdoors; she was often found camping and hiking. She enjoyed watching movies and spending time with her family, especially during gatherings at Monument House. Her life was a testament to her values of family, faith, and service to others.

Known for her empathetic and generous spirit, Anita was a loving mother and wife and is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Kabel; her husband, Edward Achtenberg; her sister, Dianna Abbrecht; her ex-husband, Thomas Kabel; stepdaughters, Emily, Jacklynn, Sara, and Heidi; stepson, Shawn; as well as five step-grandsons and 3 step-granddaughters, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Joanna Shaker.

Contributions in Anita’s memory can be made to ourrescue.org, an organization she passionately supported. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her.