Orville Knoener

Orville G. Knoener, 84, formerly of Howards Grove, passed away at Terrance Estates Assisted Living, Friday, November 29, 2013. Orville was born January 14, 1929 in Howards Grove. He was the son of August and Clara (Dickmann) Knoener. He attended schools at Millersville and Howards Grove, graduating from high school in 1946. On December 9, 1950, he married Doris Roethel. Shortly after their wedding, Orville joined the United States Army, going to Korea from 1951 until 1956. He was awarded three bronze stars and numerous other medals of honor for proudly and courageously serving his country. Orville attended Millersville grade schools, Howards Grove High School and LTI (now LTC) receiving degrees in auto mechanics and drafting. Orville worked at Millersville Box Company in Howards Grove, Kohler Company in Kohler and Kiel Sand and Gravel in Kiel. He farmed for 23 years and was the owner/operator of the Knoener Saw Mill for over 40 years. Orville was a very active member of St. John's - Schwarzwald UCC church in Elkhart Lake, where he was a former deacon and elder. Orville was an extremely active, dedicated member and former commander of the Franklin American Legion Post #387 for over 58 years. Orville was a member of the Voiture 1080 of the 40/8 for 42 years. He was a founding father and very instrumental in the construction and building of the Sheboygan County Veteran's Memorial. Orville spent over 15 years to the very present to make this dream a reality. Orville's greatest joy the last number of years was helping on the John Roehl farm. In his spare time, Orville always found time to play his accordions and attended many athletic games in Howards Grove for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Orville is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Doris and their two children, Steve (Debbie) Knoener, Howards Grove and Darlene Meyers, Howards Grove. Orville is further survived by his grandchildren, Craig (Lana) Knoener, Appleton, Shannon (Mike) Wynveen, Howards Grove, Sarah (Todd) Breher, Sheboygan and Josh Meyers, Denver, CO; great-grandchildren, Sommer Knoener, Maddie, Mya and Shawn Wynveen and Hannah Breher and soon to be expected brother. He is also survived by two very special nephews and nieces, Jerry and Coreen Roethel and Ed and Karen Karsteadt. Orville is also survived by his very special extended family, Kathy (the late John) Roehl, Amy, Eric, and Nathan (special friend Megan) Roehl. Orville was survived by cousins, and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, Orville was preceded in death by two brothers, Elroy and an infant brother. Brother-in-law, Earl (Marion) Roethel. A Funeral Service will be held for Orville on Sunday, December 1 at Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ, Howards Grove) at 6:00 PM. Visitation at the Funeral Home on Sunday, from 1:00 PM until time of service. Private committal at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Orville's name at Sheboygan County Veteran's Memorial Fund. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Terrace Estates and the St. Nicholas Hospice for their wonderful care and concern shown to Orville and his family