It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia (Patty) Kay Knechtel (Tschumperlin), age 67. Patty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, who passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Patty was born on March 17, 1958 in Frederic, Wisconsin, to Grace and John Tschumperlin. She spent her younger years growing up in a farmhouse in Frederic, making many memories with her parents and several siblings. She attended school at Frederic School District, where she met the love of her life, Lloyd Knechtel. They fell in love at a school dance on Feb. 14, 1975, marrying shortly after, on May 13, 1978. Their love story flourished into a beautiful life together, raising two children, Heather and Billy Knechtel. Patty and Lloyd shared 47 wonderful years of marriage.
Patty worked as a home-based daycare provider for many years in her community, spreading her kindness and knowledge. She was an outstanding baker, and was also a Four Seasons worker. In her younger years, she was a Sunday school teacher at her church, always guiding and nurturing those around her. She accomplished her dreams of becoming a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Patty was known for her big personality and her high spirits. Many would say that Patty was a kind soul who lit up people’s hearts and lives. She was a lover of many things, and put her heart, mind, and soul into all her passions. Patty loved every holiday, seasonal decorating, bird watching, gardening, nature, camping, coffee & donuts with her family, baking, scary shows, and the Discovery Channel. She was always eager to share her passions with those around her. And she was often found wearing her favorite red shirt and black cardigan, with tissues in her pockets.
Patty was a rock, an anchor, the heartbeat of the family. She loved you through all your best and all your worst. Her passing has left an emptiness words cannot describe. The world feels a little colder, a little quieter without her laughter, without her presence, without the warmth of her fierce love. She taught the meaning of unconditional strength.
Her spirit lives on through the lives she touched, and the memories she’s created.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Knechtel; children, Heather (Trevor) Otto and Billy Knechtel; grandchildren, Grace Otto, Isaiah Otto and Earlene Otto; siblings, Carol (Pete), Kathy (Keith), Charlie (Mary), Dorothy (Bruce) and Gary; many nieces and nephews; and grand-dog, Zelda.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and John Tschumperlin; brother, Jack Tschumperlin; and sister, Vicky Peterson.
The funeral will be held at Rowes Funeral Home, located at 101 Cedar St W, Frederic, WI. A gathering will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 30, with a service following shortly after at 2 p.m.
