Paul Knebel-Riley classmate
Feb. 10, 1946 - Nov. 12, 2010
PERU - Peru businessman and entrepreneur, Paul R. Knebel, 64, passed away at 9:25 PM, Friday, November 12, 2010, following a more than four-year battle with cancer. He was born in South Bend, IN, on February 10, 1946, the son of Paul O. and Josephine Truman Knebel. Paul married Sharon Misenheimer in Peru on September 4, 1982, and she survives. Paul graduated from Riley High School in South Bend in 1964 and was a U.S. Army veteran. He first went to work as a meat cutter at the Kroger Store in South Bend and later became a salesman with Peter Eckrich Company, where he earned the distinction of being the "top hot dog salesman." When the Eckrich operation in Peru closed, Paul went to work with Dinner Belle Meats. He also had owned the Hi-Dri Trailer Park in Peru and the B&K Root Beer Stand West. Paul currently owned and operated PK Distributors. Paul had a passion for living which one couldn't help but notice. He had an infectious love for life, family and friends. Paul was an avid Chicago Bears fan, and to honor his love of "da Bears," the family encourages that people attending the visitation in Peru wear Chicago Bears attire. He was involved in countless activities in our community including the Peru Maennerchor, Eagles, Elks and Moose. Surviving in addition to his wife, Sharon, is his mother, Josephine Knebel of South Bend; his daughter, Lisa McQueen and her husband, Steve of Covington, IN; grandchildren, Kristen McQueen, Benjamin Robert McQueen and Taylor Joseph McQueen; sisters, Mary Horvath and her husband, Edward of South Bend, and Cathy Jo Knebel and her husband, Cary Crawley of North Liberty, IN; and nieces and nephews, Katherine Pawell, Steven Horvath, Kevin Paul Crawley, Matthew Horvath, Kelly Horvath and Mackinzie Crawley. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Buddie. Family and friends will gather from 4:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, November 17, 2010, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main Street, Peru, IN, and from 5:00-8:00 PM Friday, November 18, 2010, in the Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday in the Guisinger Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Spriggs officiating. Burial will be at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, IN. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , to Miami County Community Foundation, or to MASN Miami County Animal Shelter Fund Rosie's Rescue & Retreat. Condolences may be left online at www.eddyfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on November 16, 2010