John F. Knoke Sr.

John F. Knoke Sr., age 90, of Waupaca, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, June 6, 2022, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. He was born July 3, 1931, in Shawano, son of Herman and Lucy (Lotharius) Knoke. When John was only 12 years old, he came by train to Waupaca for the first time to work on a potato farm east of town, which is when he first came to love the area. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps from Dec. 11, 1951, until he was honorably discharged on Dec. 2, 1953, where he was stationed stateside in Florida during the Korean War. On May 29, 1954, he married Illa M. Hagen in Minneapolis, and together through the years they raised six children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

John worked for the Soo Line for 13 years and then began his career for the Waupaca Post Office where he would retire from. He was a volunteer at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, was an avid Lakeman fan, enjoyed playing pool and cards and having coffee with his friends at Hardee’s. His farm and family were his greatest joy, and John will be dearly missed by all of his loving family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years Illa Knoke of Waupaca; five children Terry Knoke of Waupaca, Sue (Terry) Molder of Waupaca, John (LuAnn) Knoke Jr. of Stevens Point, Andy (Johnna) Knoke of Ripon and Pete (Jenny) Knoke of Pewaukee; 14 grandchildren Jerome Miller, Ryan (significant other Claire Ellie) Miller, Jaisy Peskie, Jace (Nikki) Peskie, Devyn (Adam) Mollica, Mitchell (Ashley) Molder, Karen Knoke, Stevie Knoke, Sophia Knoke, Cecelia Knoke, Brandon Knoke, Nicholas Knoke, Thomas Knoke and Alexandra Knoke; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers Eugene Knoke and Dan (Carla) Knoke; two sisters Alice Bruss and Anita Knoke; a brother-in-law William “Billy” Moede; and also by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Lucy Knoke; a daughter Peggy Peskie; a great-grandson Damian Miller; and five siblings James Knoke, Lorraine Janssen, Marian Moede, Herman Knoke, Jr. and Cecile Bruss.

A graveside service for John will be on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Waupaca, followed by full military honors to be performed. Deacon Bob Precourt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in John’s name. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

HOLLY FUNERAL HOME

526 S. Main St.

Waupaca, WI 54981

www.hollyfuneralhome.com