Joseph F. Knepfel

Joseph “Joe” F. Knepfel, age 89, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Prairie Place.

Joe was born May 23, 1934 in Hilbert, WI, the son of William and Henrietta (Heimerl) Knepfel. He graduated from Chilton High School. In 1954, Joe married the love of his life, Nancy Bergen, in Chilton, WI. Together, Joe and Nancy owned and operated a motel. When Joe retired, he spent his time caring for Nancy, who passed in 2021. He was a proud member of the Green Lake Lions, Green Lake Chamber, and NAMI. In addition, Joe volunteered at many blood drives and mental health drop-in centers. When he wasn’t volunteering, he loved to fish and hunt.

Survivors include his children, Jeannie (Jeff) Hildebrand of Phillips, WI, Keith (Judy) Knepfel of Green Lake, WI and Kathy (Jeff) Fischer of Pickett, WI; grandchildren, Katie Knepfel of Seattle, WA, Rebecca Zahn of Pickett, WI, Anne (Paul) Swanson of Seattle, WA and Bill Knepfel of Oshkosh, WI; great-grandchildren, Gianna, Isabella, Leonard, Maverick, and Harley; a sister, Betty Towers; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Knepfel; parents, William and Henrietta Knepfel; son, Mark Knepfel; sister, Joanne Fox; granddaughter, Sarah Poniewaz; and great-grandson, Delton Knepfel.

A visitation for Joe will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10 – 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 530 Ruth St, Green Lake, WI 54941.

A memorial service for Joe will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with Father Tony Thirumalareddy officiating. Inurnment will follow at the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Town of Ripon, WI. A memorial is being established in his name.

The family would like to extend a thank you to SSM Health Hospice at Home and Prairie Place for their excellent care.