Annette Knoepfler

Annette was the only child of J. Clare and Evelyn Walker Robinson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Donald Doughman, and her husband of 40 years, Donald Wilson Knoepfler.

A 1954 graduate of Fort Dodge High School, she remained closely connected to her classmates, attending every reunion. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1958, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta and performed with the Scottish Highlanders, including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and a European tour. She later had a 40-year career as an occupational therapist.

Annette first met Donald Knoepfler on a 1957 train to the Rose Bowl and later reconnected in Iowa City. They married on August 14, 1971, and settled in Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood, where, for more than two decades, they raised their blended family of eight children.

Together, Annette and Donald were co-proprietors of The Buttonmaker Press, producing hand-set, limited-edition books. They later donated an 1843 Columbian press to the University of Iowa Center for the Book and an Albion press to Joslyn Castle in Omaha.

In retirement, Annette and Donald moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, which became home for more than 20 years. Annette was an active member of Bruton Parish Church choir, and she served as a volunteer interpreter with the Jamestown Rediscovery Archaeological Project and as a tour guide in the Williamsburg Historic Area.

When asked how she wished to be remembered, Annette said simply, “as kind.” Those who knew her would agree that she was that and more, generous with her time, genuinely interested in others, and always ready with a story or a warm smile.

Annette is survived by her children: Karl Knoepfler (Janice) and their children Karlie and Allie; William Doughman (Nancy); Carol Knoepfler; James Doughman (Heej Ko) and their children Ryan and Alexander; Thomas Doughman (Lori) and their children Mariah and Hannah; Amy Knoepfler Vinton (Brian) and their children Margaret and Katherine; Sarah Knoepfler Csanadi-Schwartz (Hartmuth) and their child Hennes; and Robert Knoepfler and his children Charles and Rose.

Graveside services will be held May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, in the Rose Hill area. Family and friends may gather from 9:00-10:30 a.m. for a viewing at Lensing Funeral Home at 605 Kirkwood Avenue before proceeding to the cemetery. A luncheon will follow.

A memorial service will be held September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a reception at the Parish House.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bruton Parish Church in support of its music program or to the University of Iowa Center for the Book.

For online condolences, please visit www.lensingfuneral.com.