Richard B. “Rich” Knebel, 80, of Winamac, passed away at home on Thursday, September 1, 2022.
He was born on May 12, 1942 in Winamac, IN to the late Samuel W. and Thresa J. Nierzwicki Knebel. On June 16, 1962 in Cassopolis, MI Rich married Ellen J. Jachim. She survives.
Rich began his lifelong career in dairy farming with his brother George as “Knebel Brothers” just after graduating high school. Together, along with his wife and three sons, they operated what is considered a small dairy farm (under 60 cows). With Rich's exceptional knowledge and skills in cattle pedigrees and breeding, Knebel Holsteins earned #1 ranking in Indiana for dairy production among small dairy farm operations and a ranking of 23rd across the United States.
Rich later turned this passion and enthusiasm into an educational dairy experience for families across the U.S. For the past 30 years, Rich 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. Rich was taking the goodness of agriculture to the public 25 years before the term “Agri-tourism” was every coined. Rich's greatest love was family. When not working together on the farm, they enjoyed trips to dairy shows and the beaches in Florida. Rich was best known for his humor and lightheartedness, which was enjoyed by everyone he had the opportunity to meet.
He is survived by:
Ellen J. Jachim Knebel, Winamac, IN Wife
Mark Knebel, Winamac, IN Son
Dan (Jennifer) Knebel, Winamac, IN Son
Rich (Tina) Knebel, Winamac, IN Son
Grandchildren:
Garrett
Catherine
Caitlin
Cole
Schyler
5 Great grandchildren
George (Gladys) Knebel, Winamac, IN Brother
Preceded in death by:
Samuel W. and Thresa J. Nierzwicki Knebel, Parents
Wesley S. Knebel, Brother
Pearl Becker, Sister
Visitation will be from 11 AM EDT-12 Noon Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Winamac Nazarene Church in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Winamac Nazarene Church in Winamac, IN with Pastor Gene Tanner officiating.
Burial will take place at the Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial Contributions 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, IN.
