Gerald Arthur Knochel

Gerald was born on January 27, 1930 in South Bend, IN to Christian and Vera (Brown) Knochel. Gerald grew up with eight siblings and graduated from Wolcott High School in Wolcott, IN in 1948. He was working on an extension of the family farm in Kentland, IN when he married Phyllis (Troup) Knochel on December 11, 1955. He served as President of the farm for many years. His son, Glenn Wayne Knochel, was born in 1959, shortly before Gerald and Phyllis moved to Normal, IL in 1960.

Gerald and Phyllis became baptized members of the Worldwide Church of God in 1960. Gerald was ordained a deacon in 1964 and a local elder in 1968. He and his wife attended Sabbath services with the Worldwide Church of God and the United Church of God for 65 years. His commitment to following God was evident in his enduring service to the local brethren.

Gerald started his own business, Krystal Klear Window Service, in 1970. He worked hard to build his window washing route, eventually bringing on several employees to help manage his contracts. Gerald washed windows for 50 years, reluctantly retiring at age 90. He enjoyed and took pride in his work. His integrity and work ethic were well-known and widely respected in the Central Illinois community.

Gerald was intelligent and fiercely independent. His patience, humor, willingness to talk to anyone, and his genuine care for others built long-lasting relationships. His deep love for Phyllis was apparent in his gentle words and steadfast care as she battled dementia. They were married for 68 wonderful years; she passed away in January 2023.

Gerald will be greatly missed by friends and family. Surviving are three siblings: Kathy Faissal, Wayne Knochel, and Carol Hasselbring, one sister-in-law Patricia Alberts, and several nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Vera Knochel, five siblings: Don Dalrymple, Harold Knochel, Dale Knochel, Mary Alice McIntyre, and John Wayne Knochel, his son Glenn Wayne Knochel, and his beloved wife Phyllis Knochel.

Cremation rites have been accorded with East Lawn Funeral Home. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704. A formal service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Fairlawn Cemetery in Kentland, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to: United Church of God c/o Good Works Program, 555 Techne Center Drive, Milford, OH 45150.