June L. Knostman

June, of Lansing, age 96, died peacefully on September 30 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth Knostman in 1981 and long-time partner Kenneth Hall in 2010. June began a long professional career starting as a salesperson at Kresge’s in Lansing and later as a buyer for department stores in Milwaukee. With her husband Mr. Knostman, she operated the Kenneth B. Knostman Certified Public Accounting Firm and the Mutual Statistical Service in Lansing for many years. A tireless booster of The Capitol City, she was active in civic affairs, including serving on the Public Service Board, The Friends of Frances Park and the Garden Club of Greater Lansing. In 1976, she completed training as a Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judge. Her work as a flower show judge took her to places all over the world, including South Africa, Argentina, Kenya, Mexico and Australia. In 2004, the state of Michigan recognized her work as a judge by bestowing on her The Award of Honor.

A lover of music and art, June had exquisite taste and an endlessly curious mind. Whether it was providing picturesque fencing around Frances Park or a scholarship to a student in the Landscape Design School at MSU, June had big thoughts about improving her community. Her desire was to leave the world around her a better and more beautiful place.

June always thanked her mother for instilling in her the benefits of hard work and the desire to learn, and thanked God for a sound mind, good health and many golden opportunities. She leaves behind her wonderful neighbors, her niece Linda Holmes and the children of Kenneth Hall, Gordon and Linda Hall, whom June adopted as true family members. She also leaves behind a team of remarkable care givers who made it possible for her to live a fulfilling life in her later years and die peacefully at home. For all those who knew June, she will be sorely missed. Upon June’s request, she was buried with a small grave-side service.