Dorothea Knebel

Dorothea "Dottie" Schoeneich Knebel

August 2, 1936 – September 17, 2026

Dorothea "Dottie" Schoeneich Knebel passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 90 in San Diego, California.

Dottie was born on August 2, 1936, in Kiel, Germany, to Pauline Johannsen Schoeneich and Gustav Schoeneich. At just 15 years old, she made the journey from Germany to the United States, arriving through Ellis Island in 1951. Her family first settled in St. Louis, Missouri, before moving to a farm in New Haven, Missouri.

On December 8, 1956, Dottie married the love of her life, William "Bill" Knebel. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage and raised four children: Heidi (Curt) Zell of Bloomington, Illinois; Kim (Greg) Anton of San Diego, California; Cathy (Michael) Coccaro of Stony Brook, New York; and Billy (Karen) Knebel of Nixa, Missouri. Dottie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and daughters, Heidi and Cathy.

Having grown up as an only child, Dottie was especially proud of the large family she and Bill created. Affectionately known as "Meme," she was a doting grandmother to nine grandchildren: Courtney, Ashley, Stephanie, Clayton, Alyssa, Brittany, Claudia, Avery, and Zachary; and nine great-grandchildren: Cole, Quinton, Ezra, Meadow, Roman, Axel, Eleanor, Oliver, and Ryder.

After Bill retired, the two enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, often visiting their children and grandchildren along the way. Summers were particularly special, as Dottie and Bill welcomed their family to their home in Kimberling City on Table Rock Lake, creating a tradition and memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Dottie enjoyed a full and active life. She loved being a full-time mom, baking, bowling, golfing, listening to music, and traveling the world—with Monte Carlo holding a special place in her heart. She had a wonderfully spunky spirit and was loving, nurturing, happy, and dignified.

No matter the occasion, Dottie was always perfectly put together—stylish, beautifully dressed, and ready to entertain. She was especially known for her trademark striped tops! Her home reflected that same sense of style: elegant, welcoming, and always beautifully put together.

Dottie enthusiastically became an American citizen, a meaningful milestone nearly 40 years after arriving in the United States as a teenager.

From a 15-year-old girl who traveled from Germany to America to the matriarch of a family spanning four generations, Dottie lived a remarkable life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and, most affectionately, Meme.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer's San Diego