Laurell J. Knoeck

Laurell J. Knoeck, 91, was called to eternal rest on Friday March 5, 2021 while at home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born December 2, 1929 in the town of Marathon, son of the late Theodore and Hildegarde (Daul) Knoeck.  On June 7, 1950 he married the love of his life, Lorraine Schreiber from Rocky Ridge at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.  Their marriage of 68 years ended with Lorraine’s passing on September 14, 2018.  Together, Lorraine and Laurell farmed in the town of Marathon, raising their four boys.  In 1971 they moved to the town of Stettin where they operated a Surge Dairy and Farm Equipment business and also raised ginseng.

Laurell lived a life instilled with the importance of a work ethic, a strong faith, family and friends.  He was a thinker and innovator, which allowed him to repair and create almost anything.  He loved to tinker, to operate equipment and then to tell you about it.  In earlier days, he and Lorraine enjoyed snowmobiling, stealing chickens and pulling other pranks with their town of Marathon friends, traveling with Surge business partners and others, boating and times at Lake DuBay.  Laurell loved to write down his thoughts or share a good story with anyone that would take the time to listen—and good stories they were. He enjoyed a sandwich made with Ronny Lang's liver sausage and a good Friday Night Fish Fry with a Brandy Old Fashioned and the chance for time with family and friends that came with that.  Laurell took pride in the Knoeck family history, working on projects with his boys, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, riding his mule and golf cart, and of course—participating in and adding to the fun of Knoeckapalooza.

Laurell is survived by his sons, Larry (Jane), Charles (Nancy), and David (Laura), and daughter-in-law, Joanne Knoeck.  He is further survived by grandchildren, Julie (Tim) Zuleger, Ted (Terri) Knoeck, Rebecca (Bill) Knoeck-Stancel, Jessica Knoeck (Nate Osfar), Nathan (Taylor) Knoeck, Matthew Knoeck, Nicole (Mike) Blumreich and Joshua Knoeck; step grandchildren, Heidi (Craig Nelson) Gorshe, Tammy (Jeff) Wickersham and Shawn (Lori) Mathwich; seven great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elaine Schreiber.  Besides his parents and wife, Laurell was preceded in death by a son, James, a sister, Mary Alice (Donald) Bauman and by Lorraine’s siblings and their spouses.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon, Saturday March 13, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.  Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  Recognizing the serious nature of the Covid pandemic, the family requests social distancing protocols be maintained, masks to be worn and brief contact during the visitation.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Betty Hornung, James Straub, Dave Schillinger and all the others that took the time to help and care for Laurell.