Victor Knappmiller

Victor (Vic) H. Knappmiller, 88, Kewaunee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 12, 2025. Vic was born in Kewaunee on the Timble farm to the late Herman and Christine (Huber) Knappmiller on March 14, 1936. He grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work. He graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1954. After graduation he worked for the Leyse Aluminum Co. until he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. After his return from service, he went to the Skyclub in Alaska, WI for a pack of Pall Malls, and sitting on the second bar stool from the south, he found the love of his life, Esther Devos. They were married on June 13, 1959, at St. Hubert Church in Rosiere, WI. Esther proceeded him in death on April 25, 2018. Together they purchased The Grove Tavern in Kewaunee and ran it for over 20 years, selling it in 1979. His second career after The Grove was at the Frank Hamachek Machine Co. as a Hydraulic Mechanic. In his time at Hamachek's, Vic traveled extensively across the U.S., Canada and even Italy and Czechoslovakia working on pea viners. In his retirement he also served 18 years on the Pierce Town Board.

Anyone who knew Vic also knew his favorite place on earth was at his cabin in Fence, WI. He loved spending time around the campfire telling story after story with a Mount Royal in hand. We often wanted to write a book of his stories entitled - "Non-Viction". His family was his prized possession. Vic was fiercely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Instilled in all of us are his and mom's values of hard work and hospitality to anyone they encountered.

He is survived by his son Bill of Kewaunee, his four daughters and son-in-law's. Tina (Ken) Robinson, Kewaunee, Ann (Paul) Ravet, Luxemburg, Sue (Don) Beyer, Luxemburg, and Kim (Kevin) Dax, Kewaunee; his grandchildren, Brad (Kim), Michele (Jason), Josh, Jenna, Jaden, Mike (Sue), Brock, Karley, Chelsea, and Rylee and his two great-grandchildren Addison and Kroy. He is further survived by his sisters Joan Bontempo and MaryAnn Breitlow. Esther's siblings Laverne Malcore, Ann (Pete) Kashik, Shirley Devos, and Terry Devos. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws John and Evelyn Devos, his siblings and in-laws; Lenord (Ann) Knappmiller, Alvin (Mary Carol) Knappmiller, Frank Bontempo, Ken Breitlow, James (Johanna) Hafeman, Leslie Malcore, John Devos Jr., Ron Devos, Tom Devos and nephew Gary Bontempo.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services - Kewaunee. Prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday January 18, 2025, from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kewaunee with Fr. George Daniel officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com. In respect for our family, Billy's on Main will be closed Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th.

The sisters want to thank our brother Bill for always being there for Dad and making sure he was well taken care of. Also, to all his friends at the Waterfront, The Bucket, and Rocque's 8-Hi in Goodman. He truly enjoyed visiting with everyone. Special thanks to the Kewaunee Sheriff's Department, Kewaunee Rescue, County Corner, and Tim & Cindy Kinnard.

Dad, until we meet again - "It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!"