He is preceded in death by his wife of 19 years, Mary P. Baudendistle. Dan is survived by his stepchildren, Patricia Moon (Larry), Michael Miller (Linda) and Marvin Miller (Soledad). He was also survived by five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Dan will also be missed by his many friends at Beaver Lake Estates.
Dan served his country heroically during World War II as an Army paratrooper and participated in many battles in the European theatre. He was awarded the EAME Theatre ribbon, six Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart with Two Oak Clusters and a Bronze Star Medal.
"Corporal Daniel Knoechelman (then private first class) 517th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, awarded for heroic achievement in action. On the afternoon of January 13, 1945, in the vicinity of Coulee, Belgium, Corporal Knoechelman, 81mm Mortar Platoon Gunner was called on to place fire on enemy positions during an attack in that sector. During the attack, in which the other gun in his section had been knocked out and his own disabled, Corporal Knoechelman left cover, despite intense enemy fire and taking parts from the other disabled gun, repaired his own and took over the sector with one gun. Although subjected to heavy mortar, artillery and direct tank fire Corporal Knoechelman, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, stuck to his position and continued to place mortar fire on the enemy positions causing heavy causalities and disorganization ." Dan earned EAME Theater Ribbon w/ 6 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters and Bronze Star Medal.
Dan was also the vice president for Whitehouse Painting contractors.
Dan's family would like to invite his friends to celebrate his memory from 4-8p.m. Friday, February 1, 2013 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road. A graveside service will be held noon, Saturday, February 2, 2013 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Evergreen Cemetery with entombment to follow.
Please visit us online at www.archlheadyresthaven.com
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