Edwin Knoechel

Edwin Lewis Knoechel, 89 of Eastport, better known to friends and family as Ed, passed away quietly in the early morning hours of December 5, 2020 with family at his side. He was born June 15, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI the son of Edwin and Rebecca (Watson) Knoechel. He was an only child.

On August 22, 1953 in Wauwatosa, WI, Ed married the love of his life, Geraldine Suzanne Tiedjens. They lived in Madison, WI at the time as Ed continued his Post-Graduate studies in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  In December of 1956, they welcomed their first Son, Richard into the family

Ed graduated with his PhD Degree in Pharmacy on August 22, 1958, on their 5th Wedding Anniversary. Shortly after, he and Jeri moved to Kalamazoo, MI with his wife and son where Ed started working with The Upjohn Company.

In October of 1958, Ed and Jeri welcomed their second son, Donald, into the family. Shortly thereafter they moved to Turwill Lane, which served as their home base for the next 33 years. In 1992 they moved to Eastport to enjoy their final 28 years of life in beautiful northern Michigan.

Ed was a loyal employee of The Upjohn Company, in Kalamazoo for over 30 years, retiring in 1990.  He was an avid sportsman and tremendous supporter of many of his Son’s and Grandchildren’s sporting, educational and other interests in and around Kalamazoo, the State of Michigan and around the Country. He was a loyal fan of his two favorite teams, The Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers.

Surviving are his sons and their spouses, Richard Lewis and Rebecca Knoechel and Donald James and Teresa Knoechel, grandchildren Kelly, Andrew, Kathryn and spouse Andy, Christine and Fiancé Jared and Samuel; four great grandchildren, Ashton, Eva and Elliana (Kelly) and Beckham (Kathryn, with a another great grandchild on the way).  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parish Nurse Program, ℅ First Congregational Church, PO Box 326, Central Lake, MI 49622.

Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.