Thomas E. Knecht, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully early Monday afternoon (December 17) at his home in
Plymouth.
He was born on March 8, 1948 in Plymouth, to Thomas E. Knecht, Sr. and Evelyn (Kulow) Dirks, and raised in
Plymouth by Evelyn and Mel Dirks.
Tom graduated from Elkhart Lake High School in 1967, where he lettered in four different sports multiple years,
and earned all-state honors as a pole-vaulter his senior year.
Tom served in the Unites States Army from 1969-1971, and was stationed in Vietnam for a majority of his time in
the service. While in Vietnam, Tom was in the Signal Core communications division where he was responsible for
communications with the Pentagon.
On July 3, 1971 he married Mary Ellen Andrew at St. Mary’s church in Sheboygan Falls. The couple resided in
Plymouth since 1971.
Tom was employed by Tecumseh Products Company in New Holstein for 35 years, where he held various
management roles over the years. He was also employed at Mid-Point Machine for 5 years.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and bowling. He enjoyed watching
all of his favorite Wisconsin sports teams, and also had a love for the Mountain West, horses, and triple-crown
horse racing.
He is a member of the North Bowl Hall of Fame in Sheboygan, and bowled a perfect 300 score on October 7, 1979.
Survivors include: Special Friend: Deborah Koch of Plymouth; His Children: Tim Knecht (Sara) of Portland, Oregon
and Chad Knecht (Sara) of Sheboygan; His Granddaughters: Ella Mary of Portland, Oregon, Riley Evelyn of
Sheboygan; Two brothers: John (Mickey) Knecht of Plymouth, Dennis Knecht of Big Spring, Texas; and Five
Brothers and Sisters-in-Law: Janice (Daniel) Knecht of Plymouth, Roseann (Donald) Koenigs of Sheboygan Falls,
Elaine (Marty) Lefeber of Johnsburg, Ken Andrew (Kathy) of Johnsburg and Vern Andrew (Carol) of Waupun.
He is also survived by many uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his Wife: Mary Ellen, Mother: Evelyn Dirks, Father: Mel Dirks, Grandparents:
Raymond and Edna Kulow, Edward Knecht, Brother: Daniel, and Sister: Bonnie
At Tom’s request, a formal memorial service will not be held, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Tom’s name for Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, W2850
WI-28, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation services is serving the family. For online condolences please visit
www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to give special thanks for Sharon S. Richardson Hospice Care in Sheboygan Falls, and
especially to his at-home hospice nurse Michelle H. for her excellent care and support.
