Mary E. Knippel-Stachowiak

Mary Knippel- Stachowiak, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. She was surrounded by her family.

Mary was born in Wausau on July 29, 1933 to Joseph and Theresa (Sneigoski) Jakubowski. She was the second of four daughters. On July 7,1956 she married William Knippel. They were married until his death on September 23, 1998. In 2001, she found happiness and companionship again by marrying Fabian (Buck) Stachowiak. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2021.

Mary worked for Wisconsin Public Service, at a law firm as a legal secretary, and years later, after raising her children, in the circulation department of the Wausau Daily Herald. Many of her friendships later in life were established from her job at the Daily Herald.

Outside of work Mary enjoyed gardening, attending church picnics and traveling. In her early years, she and William enjoyed roller skating together. Bill had a profound interest in photography and often used Mary as his model. She and Buck enjoyed taking cruises and together sailed over 30 times. Mary was an avid walker and could be found outside walking regardless of how hot or cold the Wisconsin temperatures were. She was firmly planted in her faith and consistently attended mass with both William and Buck. Mary and Bill volunteered for years at St. Mary’s Church in Wausau helping with bingo, and later she and Buck loved going polka dancing at church festivals in between attending mass.

Mary is survived by her six children, Robert Knippel, Wausau, Kathy (Randy) Froehlich, Wausau, Ann (Gary) LaPorte, Kronenwetter, Joe (Sherrylynn Mueller) Knippel, Wausau, Monica (Andy) Lukas, Brookfield, Laura (Greg) Weyandt, Chetek, stepsons Fabian and Scott Stachowiak, 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands William and Buck, and her three sisters Virginia, Margie, and Annie.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday July 22, 2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wausau. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau. Visitation will be Wednesday at St. Michael’s Catholic church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to all of the staff, caregivers, and volunteers at Mount View Care Center for all of the care, activities, and trips that they provided when family was no longer able to do so. The care and interaction that Mount View provided was exceptional and was deeply appreciated by both Mary and her entire family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com