Michael Christopher Knuppel

Born December 8, 1980 in Peoria to Douglas Kim and Cheryl Annette (Pounds) Knuppel, he married Ichie Otsubo on October 6, 2004 in Sasebo Nagasaki, Japan.

Surviving are his wife of 18 years; one daughter, Nanako Annette Knuppel of Japan; one son, Kazuo Christopher Knuppel of Japan; his mother and step-father, Cheryl and James Voiles of Pekin; his step-mother, Debbie Knuppel of Delavan; one brother, Robert D. Knuppel of Oregon and two step-brothers, Ian (Sonia) Culbertson of Peoria and Phillip (Sarah) Culbertson of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Michael was a veteran of the United States Navy.

He had previously worked at WMBD TV as the IT Manager for 13 years.

A loving husband, dad, son and brother, Michael enjoyed working with computers, gaming and had an interest in a wide variety of cars. He also had a deep fondness for Anime, a Japanese animation. Nothing was more important to Michael than his family.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Masanori Takeuchi will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family for account established for his children.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com