Dale J. Knetter

Dale J. Knetter, 78, of Wausau, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 23, 2017 while at home. Dale was born July 6, 1938 and was the youngest of eleven children to the late Lillian and Louis Knetter. He married Janet Drews and they had been married nearly 55 years. Dale served his country honorably in the US Army. He enjoyed a long career as a member of the Teamsters Union while retiring from Fore Way Express. Dale's passion was spending time with his wife Janet, family, grandchildren and the outdoors. While he loved to fish and hunt, he was all about enriching the outdoor experience with family members and friends. Family outings in the north woods and spring vacations in Florida were a ritual. He was always busy working on projects at home or at the cottage and was always eager to share his wisdom and hardworking ethic with others. Dale was a loyal volunteer with the Eagles Club and Amvets Post 3929 receiving military honors. His contagious laughs, smiles and gratefulness will be forever remembered. Survivors include his wife, Janet Knetter; two sons, Jay (Barbra) Knetter, Brookfield and their children, Ali, Emma and Jack and Brian (Patti) Knetter, Merrill and their daughter, Jenna (Patrick) Blakeslee; daughter, Pam (Robert) Barnetzke, Tomahawk and their children, Matty, Mitchell, Brandon and Brett; brother, Louis (Lorraine) Knetter; three sisters, Delores Barclay, Mildred Furger and Blanche (Don) Rahnenfuehrer; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Lyle) Mathison and Violet (Dave) Schuett. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau is assisting the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.