Raymond J. Knippel

Raymond J. Knippel, 84, Wausau died Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born May 26, 1930, son of the late Walter and Beatrice (Fleischman) Knippel. Ray graduated from St. Mary Grade School, and then from Wausau High School in 1948. Ray was employed at the Marmet Corporation in Wausau and in February of 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army. His Army career spanned 30 years during which time he specialized in Personnel Management. He served in Korea from 1952 until 1953 and 1960 until 1962, Vietnam from 1967 until 1972 and also in Japan from 1953 until 1956. He served two tours at the Department of the Army. Ray received the rank of Sergeant Major, the grade in which he retired on March 1, 1981. During his military service he was awarded three Army Commendation Medals, one Joint Service Commendation Medal, one Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Star Medals and upon his retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Ray started serving the Catholic Church in 1937 as an altar server. He continued his service to the church in various positions throughout the rest of his life. He had been commissioned as a Leader of Prayer and also as a Lay Minister in the Diocese of La Crosse. In May of 1997 he received a Papal Blessing from Pope John Paul II for his "dedicated and faithful service to the Church of St. Mary, Wausau, Wisconsin." A noteworthy contribution to the church was his voluntary service as a Sacristan for a period of more than 37 years. Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus-George Schreier Council #1069, Golden Kiwanis and the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10, all of Wausau. He enjoyed doing clock repair for more than 40 years, traveling, playing piano and visiting with his family. Ray was a friend to many people, especially his family and he truly enjoyed the many visits and get togethers he was able to share with them. Survivors include his siblings, James (Kathy) Knippel, Temecula, California and Carol Prain, Monroe, four sisters-in-law, Mary (Fabian) Stachowiak, Wausau, RoseMarie Knippel, Stevens Point, Charlene Knippel and Gloria Knippel, both of Wausau, one brother-in-law, Larry Pierschalla, Wausau and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Walter Jr., John, William, Charles, Lawrence, Peter, Andrew and Rosemary Pierschalla. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2014 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. The Rev. James Schaefer will preside. Burial will in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau where full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Church of the Resurrection, Wausau or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com