Dr. Monica Ann (Buchanan) Knuesel

Monica Knuesel, of Broomfield Colorado, passed away in her home on Tuesday January 4, 2022 at the age of 82. Monica was born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin on March 2, 1939 born to Allan and Anna (Nowak) Buchanan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David Knuesel, her brother-in-law Jerry Pellett, and her first son Jim Knuesel. She is survived by her brother Mark (Bernice) Buchanan, her sister Lea Pellett, her sons Don, Rob, Paul, John, and Matt, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends.

Monica graduated from Kewaunee High School as the Valedictorian of the class of 1957 and then graduated from Marquette University with a pre-medical degree and where she played in the university band.

Monica was an accomplished flute player and master knitter who loved children and animals. From Paste dogs, cats, horses, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and even a yak; there were always animals in the pasture of her Colorado home. In 1965, She broke new ground becoming one of the first women to graduate with an MD from University of Chicago Medical School. She used her medical degree to promote children’s rights and well-being through her 40+ year career as a pediatrician and professional witness for the Denver Department of Health and Family Crisis Center. Even after retirement, Monica continued her passion by working part-time as a physician with the Jefferson County Children’s Advocacy Center and The Cleo Wallace Center. In her personal time, she loved spending time with her six sons and their families including her grandchildren, and later great grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, spinning and knitting the wool from the animals she raised, as well as teaching knitting and sewing classes to the community.

A funeral service will be held at Horan & McConaty, 7577 W 80th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003 on Wednesday January 12th at 2pm, with a reception to follow.