Jerold Raymond Knoebel

Jerold Raymond Knoebel, age 83, passed away at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital on October 13, 2025 surrounded by his family. Jerry was born on October 19, 1941 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the loving son of Raymond and Pearl (nee Leipski).

Jerry was a proud member of the first graduating class of Waukesha South High School in 1959. Following High School, he enlisted in the military. He demonstrated immense pride in his country and proudly served in the United States Navy, where he played a notable role in history by being on the ship that retrieved astronaut Alan Shepard after his historic spaceflight.

At the tender age of 10, Jerry met the love of his life, Sandra, as neighbors sharing their days horseback riding together. Their childhood friendship blossomed into a deep and loving relationship and they began dating in high school. They were married in 1963. In 1964, their family grew with the birth of their son, Steven, who brought them immeasurable joy.

In 1962, he began his journey as a mechanic at Waukesha Truck Sales. His passion for the trade led him to Peterbilt, where he earned respect and admiration as a service manager and mechanic. Over the decades, Jerry forged enduring friendships with colleagues and customers that lasted a lifetime. In 1988, he and his family moved from Duplainville to the family farm in Helenville, Wisconsin. Along with his son, Steve, they worked tirelessly, sharing their passion for farming and selling Vermeer agricultural equipment.

Though he had his quirks—his family will often say he loved them and tolerated some. Jerry was known for his love of dogs, his passion for fishing, and his spirited conversations about politics. He was an avid fan of the show M*A*S*H, running the combine during corn harvests and cheering passionately for the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. For ten winters, he and Sandra embraced the warmth of Fort Myers, Florida. Family gatherings were filled with laughter as they played the game of PIT and Shuffleboard and he enjoyed going to breakfast with his buddies and looked forward to every Friday night fish fry, complete with a cocktail in hand.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Sandra; son Steven (Jody), granddaughters Jessica (Tyler) Wellsandt, Lindsay (Eric) Baneck and Elizabeth (Ryan) Hafften; great-grandchildren Tatum Baneck, Grant Wellsandt, Jace Hafften and Landon Baneck; siblings Martha (Billy) Wood and Bob (Michaelene); along with other loving family and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Margaret Lynch, Kristine Kieselhorst and Judy Leistiko.

The family expresses profound gratitude to the staff at Pro Health, especially Dr. David Schlomer, for their compassionate care and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites all who knew Jerry to honor his memory by enjoying a fish fry and a cocktail in his name.

A gathering to celebrate Jerry’s life will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, located at 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, from 3 PM to 7 PM, followed by military honors.