Vernon C. Knecht

Vernon Charles Knecht, 93, of Winnebago, NE passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE.  The funeral will be on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Homer United Methodist Church in Homer, NE.  Burial with Military Honors will be in the Omaha Valley Cemetery in Homer, NE. The family invites everyone to a Celebration of Life gathering following the burial on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Homer VFW, in Homer, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.  

Vernon was born June 11, 1931, the son of Charles and Bernice (Hunter) Knecht at the Picotte Memorial Hospital in Walthill, NE. He was raised in rural Winnebago and worked on the family farm with his dad. On June 22, 1952, he married Donna Pearson at the Whitfield Methodist Church in Sioux City, IA and the couple raised their children near Winnebago. Vernon was drafted into the US Army in 1953. His unit was called, “Hell on Wheels”. He served in the Korean conflict and guarded the Berlin wall between East and West Germany. He held the rank of Corporal when he was honorably discharged in 1955.

Vernon was a member of the Olive Branch Lodge #274 in Walthill, NE. Initiated on July 6, 1967, and raised to the Degree of Master Mason on March 27, 1968. He served as the Worshipful Master of the Olive Branch Lodge in 1974. Vernon was initiated in the Sahibs unit for the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple in 1970, in Sioux City, IA. 

Vernon created his own farmstead and farmed his entire life. He was a good farmer who cared about the land he worked on, the animals he raised, and getting the crop safely in the bin. He enjoyed spending time with family, and hosting many family holiday dinners and barbecues. He was a loving father and grandfather. 

Vernon is survived by his son, Kim Knecht of Walthill, NE; son-in-law, Frank Hasenwinkel of Oakland Park, FL; daughters, Cathy (Curtis) Stutheit of Omaha, NE, Sandra (Tim) Ahlers of Rosalie, NE, brothers, Karyl Knecht of Winnebago, NE, Wes Knecht of Omaha, NE; sister, Marilyn DeLuera of Edgewater, FL, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; and son, Terry Knecht.