Obituaries

May 12, 1942 to September 1, 2022

WINAMAC - Richard B. “Rich” Knebel, 80, of Winamac passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, at home.

He was born May 12, 1942 in Winamac, to the late Samuel W. and Thresa J. Nierzwicki Knebel. On June 16, 1962 in Cassopolis, MI he married Ellen J. Jachim. She survives.

Rich Knebel

He is survived by:
Mark Knebel, Winamac, Son
Dan (Jennifer) Knebel, Winamac, Son
Rich (Tina) Knebel, Winamac, Son
Grandchildren: Garrett, Catherine, Caitlin, Cole, and Schyler.
5 Great-grandchildren
George (Gladys) Knebel, Winamac, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Wesley S. Knebel, Brother
Pearl Becker, Sister

Mr. Knebel began his lifelong career in dairy farming with his brother George as “Knebel Brothers” just after graduating from high school. Together, along with his wife and three sons, they operated what is considered a small dairy farm (under 60 cows). With his exceptional knowledge and skills in cattle pedigrees and breeding, Knebel Holsteins earned No. 1 ranking in Indiana for dairy production among small dairy farm operations and a ranking of 23rd across the U.S.

Mr. Knebel later turned this passion and enthusiasm into an educational dairy experience for families across the U.S. For the past 30 years, he and his family have traveled the U.S. from Texas to New York operating and exhibiting an agricultural education center whereby people can experience firsthand the birth of agricultural livestock including cattle, sheep, and pigs. Mr. Knebel was taking the goodness of agriculture to the public 25 years before the term “Agri-tourism” was every coined.

Mr. Knebel’s greatest love was family. When not working together on the farm, they enjoyed trips to dairy shows and the beaches in Florida. He was best known for his humor and lightheartedness, which was enjoyed by everyone he had the opportunity to meet.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Winamac Nazarene Church in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon (Saturday), at the church. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Gleaners Winners Give Milk https://give.gleaners.org/campaign/winners-give-milk/c405021

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.