Aberdeen, SD-Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick Knettel, 60, of Aberdeen will be 10:30 am, Monday, July 2, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Shaun Haggerty will officiate.
There will be a wake at 7:00 pm Sunday with visitation from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
Patrick died June 26, 2012 at his home.
Patrick, son of Henry and Stella (Birdsall) Knettel was born August 11, 1951 in St. Cloud, MN. He attended parochial school for eight years then public school, graduating from St. Cloud High School in 1969. He then attended St. Cloud State University for one year.
He was united in marriage to Paula Eisenzimmer on June 11, 1970 in Cold Spring, MN. He began employment with Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked as a switchman, brakeman and conductor. He retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in 2002 due to a work injury.
Patrick enjoyed golfing, working on the computer as a pastime, playing chess and reading. He was an avid fisherman and pool player, playing on Aberdeen pool leagues. Music was a big part of Patrick’s life. He had been in a rock band when he was younger.
Patrick is survived by his wife, three daughters, Candace Swedenborg of Woodbury, MN, Tracey(Bill) Purcell of Andover, MN and Kayla (Joe) Walker of Aberdeen, three sons, Travis (Stephanie) Knettel of Aberdeen, Bret (Jessica) Knettel of Brooklyn Park, MN and Dane Knettel of Woodbury, MN, siblings, Stella Gray, Ellen Gans, Tess Monn, Jackie Sauer, Dave Knettel, Janice Wolfe, Mary Ann Lucas, Judy Schwinghammer and Tom Knettel and 11 grandchildren, Thomas, Katherine, Elizabeth, Patrick, Taylor, Sophia, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Bruce, Logan and Dylan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Henry Knettel, Jr., Lillian Wokash, Harry Knettel, Jim Knettel and Dennis Knettel.
Casketbearers will be Bill Purcell, Travis Knettel, Bret Knettel, Dane Knettel, Eric Skare, and Thomas Swedenborg.
Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen has been entrusted with arrangements.
Paula and family, So sorry to hear that Pat passed away. I had heard that he wasn’t doing well. We did have some fun in the old days didn’t we? I loved it when we would have the neighborhood get togethers and Pat would get out the guitar and play for us. Mike Wahlin too wasn’t it? Now we hardly see our neighbors. The people next door are pretty social but it seems everyone else is too busy with work and family, as are we all I guess. Take care and know you are all in our prayers. Deedee and Cook Mueller.and family
Candy, Tracey and family,
My deepest sympathy on the death of your father! I just saw your dad’s obituary in the St. Cloud Times and my heart fell. Know that I will carry you in prayer as your father’s death becomes a reality for you all. Take care and love from St. Cloud, Jenni (Koopmeiners) Gazdzik and family
My mother just called about Pat. I never met Pat, but my mother said you were one of her dearest friends and her heart is breaking for you. Dad has been gone for 18 years now and she knows the sorrow you are feeling. Please know you are in her prayers and thoughts at this sad time. She is not very good with a computer and she wanted me to tell you she is here for you whenever you need her.
Amy
My thoughts are with you, Bret.
Sharon Soenen
Dear Paula and family,
So sorry to hear of Patrick’s passing. Please know you will be in our prayers and through his struggles, he is in the right place with our heavenly father. We pray that our Lord will bless and strengthen your family and you through this difficult time. Remember the memories will keep you lifted up. With deepest sympathy,
Michele and Rod Titus and family.