IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Donald
Knepel
December 11, 1930 – March 25, 2025
Obituary
Dr. Donald Knepel, age 94, passed away after a brief illness on March 25, 2025. He was born on Dec. 11, 1930, in Granville, WI to Herbert and Amanda (Krause) Knepel.
In 1950 while attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Milwaukee, he happened to see a beautiful young lady named Phyllis (Beaumonte) coming down the stairs. They struck up a conversation that morning which turned into a 75-year love story. Don and Phyllis married on November 4, 1951, and the adventure began!
Don was drafted into the Army in 1952 where he was trained as an Xray-technologist. After his time in the service, he attended college at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, followed by medical school at Loma Linda School of Medicine in California, graduating in 1962. After graduation, he practiced medicine as a family physician and later as an emergency room physician in Janesville, WI until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he and Phyllis moved to Oshkosh to be closer to family as well as enjoying many years of wintering in their RV in Florida and Arizona. They also had many opportunities to travel together with some of Don's most cherished time being an annual summer fishing trip to rural Canada with family.
Don was a man of undeniable faith and lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving in multiple leadership capacities there throughout his life. He knew that in earthly death he would fall asleep in Jesus to awaken at Jesus' return to gather us for heaven. Don's convictions were strong, his faith steadfast, his wisdom abundant, and his love for his family was unconditional.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; and their children, Lois (Gary) Salzieder of Oshkosh, Richard Knepel of Largo, Florida, and Dr. Keith (Sheri) Knepel of Oshkosh. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jason Salzieder, Jodi (Dr. Donn) Dougherty, Ryan Knepel, and Dr. Jennifer (Branden) Ziebell; brothers-in-law Nick (Linda) Beaumonte and John (Nicole) Beaumonte as well as many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Les (Lucille) Knepel, Pat (Lu) Knepel, Harvey (Erma) Knepel, Harold (Anne) Knepel; and sister, Violet (Jim) Haley.
A private family service will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his honor.
In 1950 while attending the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Milwaukee, he happened to see a beautiful young lady named Phyllis (Beaumonte) coming down the stairs. They struck up a conversation that morning which turned into a 75-year love story. Don and Phyllis married on November 4, 1951, and the adventure began!
Don was drafted into the Army in 1952 where he was trained as an Xray-technologist. After his time in the service, he attended college at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, followed by medical school at Loma Linda School of Medicine in California, graduating in 1962. After graduation, he practiced medicine as a family physician and later as an emergency room physician in Janesville, WI until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he and Phyllis moved to Oshkosh to be closer to family as well as enjoying many years of wintering in their RV in Florida and Arizona. They also had many opportunities to travel together with some of Don's most cherished time being an annual summer fishing trip to rural Canada with family.
Don was a man of undeniable faith and lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving in multiple leadership capacities there throughout his life. He knew that in earthly death he would fall asleep in Jesus to awaken at Jesus' return to gather us for heaven. Don's convictions were strong, his faith steadfast, his wisdom abundant, and his love for his family was unconditional.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; and their children, Lois (Gary) Salzieder of Oshkosh, Richard Knepel of Largo, Florida, and Dr. Keith (Sheri) Knepel of Oshkosh. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jason Salzieder, Jodi (Dr. Donn) Dougherty, Ryan Knepel, and Dr. Jennifer (Branden) Ziebell; brothers-in-law Nick (Linda) Beaumonte and John (Nicole) Beaumonte as well as many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Les (Lucille) Knepel, Pat (Lu) Knepel, Harvey (Erma) Knepel, Harold (Anne) Knepel; and sister, Violet (Jim) Haley.
A private family service will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his honor.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Donald Knepel, please visit our flower store.
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