Wilbert J. Knebel

Wilbert J. \"Willie\" Knebel, age 83 of Pierron, IL, died Monday, December 06, 2010, at Faith Care Center in Highland, IL. He was born March 02, 1927, in Pocahontas, IL the son of Osmar and Emma (nee Luber) Knebel. On April 26, 1949, he married Elizabeth Louise \"Betty\" Knebel (nee Collman) who passed away on August 9, 2008 . He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was also a member of Experimental Aircraft Assoc.; Antique Machinary Club in Greenville, IL; Bond County Historical Society; Greenville Genealogical Society; Former Side Car member; Throttle Jockey Motorcycle Club; Former Pierron Improvement Club Member; Current Pierron Village Board Member; Highland Pierron Volunteer Fire Department (retired). Wilbert was born on the family farm South of Pocahontas; grew up on the farm. Worked for Koch and Hug Garage in Highland. Opened mechanic garage in Pierron with Mick Pacatte. He open his own garage in 1964. He worked for Tri-Ford for years. He worked for Nobby Schmidt in Greenville. He raced, drove and built stock cars. He built his own airplane and flew it as a private pilot. He played for Jamestown Jammers (guitar and vocals). He restore antique cars, tractors, and motorcycles. He rode a Harley Davision and a 1946 Indian Motorcycle with 1930 Harley Side car. Survivors include : Daughter - Janet E. (Gary) Evans, Pierron, IL Son - Robert E. (Connie) Knebel, Highland, IL Son - Roger A. \"Pib\" Knebel, Pocahontas, IL Daughter - Mary K. Knebel, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Kelly L. (Jim) Meadows, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Megan L. (Larry) Brock, Mitchell, IL Grandchild - Elisabeth A. (Oliver) Dreger, Laguna Niguel, CA Grandchild - Teagan M. Knebel, Highland, IL Grandchild - Tracey Lee (Ken) Larson, Hayden, ID Grandchild - Carri M. Knebel, Highland, IL Grandchild - Brittney A. Bracken, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Colter J. Knebel, Pierron, IL Great Grandchild - Jonathon L. Meadows, Pierron, IL Great Grandchild - Elisabeth A. Meadows, Pierron, IL Great Grandchild - Emily K. Meadows, Pierron, IL Great Grandchild - Grace E. Brock, Mitchell, IL Great Grandchild - Patrick M. Knebel, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Madison Larson, Hayden, ID Great Grandchild - Robert J. Knebel, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Kennedy Larson, Hayden, ID Great Grandchild - Abriel G. Larson, Hayden, ID Great Grandchild - Audrey A. Dreger, Laguna Niguel, CA Step Grandchild - Benjamin C. Evans, California, Step Grandchild - Nicholas L. Evans, California, Step Great Grandchild - Nicholas Evans, California, Step Great Grandchild - Isaiah Evans, California, Step Great Grandchild - Violet Evans, California, Brother - Norbert Knebel, Pierron, IL Brother - Delmar (Loretta) Knebel, Pierron, IL Sister - Gladys Tebbe, Breese, IL Sister - Shirley (Herb) Weis, Saint Jacob, IL Sister In-law - Loretta Knebel, Pierron, IL Sister In-law - Irene Knebel, Pierron, IL Sister In-law - Clara Knebel, Pierron, IL He was preceded in death by : Wife - Elizabeth L. \"Betty\" Knebel, (nee Collman) died 8/9/2008 Father - Osmar - Knebel Mother - Emma C. Knebel, nee Luber Daughter - Patricia A. Hediger, died 4/2/2000 Sister - Antoinette M. Knebel, died 3/12/1959) Brother - Orville Knebel, died 11/3/1994 Brother - Clifford Knebel, died in 1946 Brother - Harvey Knebel, died 2/23/2003 Brother - Jesse Knebel, died 1/4/2006. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Wilbert J. Knebel

March 2, 1927 - December 6, 2010