Keith J. Knepfel

Keith Joseph Knepfel, age 65, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at home after a battle with cancer.

Keith was born in Neenah, WI, on June 18, 1958, the son of Joseph and Nancy (Bergen) Knepfel. He attended Neenah High School and graduated from Green Lake High School. He worked for Arrowhead and Multi Conveyor. During that time took mechanical engineering classes. He always said Dave Ellis was the best boss he ever had. Keith married the love of his life, Judy in 2011 in Green Lake. Keith was well known for playing lead guitar in various bands from the late 1970’s till 2011. He played many benefits for individuals, the Special Olympics, and the Bruce William’s memorial ride in 2011. 

He read his Bible every morning with a cup of coffee, enjoyed word puzzles, making models of military tanks and planes. He loved to read, especially books about musicians, their equipment, and anything to do with the military. He was a lifelong Packer fan. What Keith loved most was his family and music. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Judy Knepfel of Green Lake, WI; children, Katie Knepfel of Seattle, WA, Anne Swanson of Seattle, WA, Bill Knepfel of Oshkosh, WI; siblings, Jeannie (Jeffrey) Hildebrand of Phillips, WI, and Kathy (Jeffrey) Fischer of Pickett, WI; grandchildren, Addison Weber and Harley Weber Knepfel of Winneconne, WI, Isabella Swanson of Seattle, WA; step-grandson, Payton Bryden of NC; in-laws, Terry (Lynn) Mathias of Ripon, WI, Sharon Grams (Rick) of IA, Tom (Jackie) Grams of Green Lake, WI, Mike (Chris) Grams of Ripon, WI, Beth Grams of Green Lake, WI; Aunt and god mother, Betty Towers of Waupun, WI; cousin, Brian Bergen of WA; special friends, Butch, Sandy, Ian, and Melanie Malzhan of Green Lake/Ripon, WI; friend and care giver, Penny Hoff of Ripon, WI; his cat, Cleo; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; parents, Joseph and Nancy Knepfel; brother, Mark Knepfel, grandson, Delton Weber Knepfel; mother-in-law, Roberta “Bobby” Grams; aunt, Jeanne M. Jones; uncle, Duke and aunt, Donna Jones; aunt, JoAnne Fox and uncle, Bill Bergen; niece, Sarah Poniewaz; and brother-in-law, “Twisted” Johnny Grams.

A visitation for Keith will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM till 2:30 PM at the Green Lake American Legion Hall, 518 Water Street, Green Lake, WI 54941

A memorial service for Keith will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 2:30 PM at the Green Lake American Legion Hall, with Reverend Karen Gygax Rodriguez officiating. A luncheon will take place following the service. Memorials for Keith can be made out to The Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 86, Green Lake, WI 54941, Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Keith’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joseph Longo, Dr. Tom Klinkhammer, Dr. Andrea Ebben, Denise, Dr. Bhattacharjee, Dr. Hsie, and Dr. Caputo. Dave and Eileen Cole, the best neighbors ever. To all family and friends for their prayers and help, Howie Nault for the band tributes, Judy’s employer, PGI INC., Rev. Karen, Rachel Nitz, Adam’s Rib, Green Lake Legion, Generations Hospice as well as AdvoCare, and Butzin’s. 

Keith suffered various health issues over the years and fought cancer for two and a half years. He was a wonderful and loving man. A true fighter to the end.