Orithea M. "Bonnie" Knepel

Orithea M. “Bonnie” Knepel, 83 years, passed away early Monday morning, the 2nd day of January 2024. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, to Raymond E. Schafer and Bernice Hausler; she went on to graduate from Random Lake High School. Bonnie grew up on a farm with her close family and married (Harvey A Knepel) in 1965; together in Fond du Lac they raised 4 children, later divorced. Along with being a homemaker, Bonnie worked in several trades, from CNA to housekeeping, making newspapers at the Fond du Lac Reporter and lastly her sewing position Simmons Baby mattress factory where she retired from the workforce in 2011. Despite always being a busy woman, being a Caregiver was whom she truly was in her heart! 

Alot like her many trade hats, Bonnie had so many friends & valued all her friendships. She was honestly a Mom to all her children’s friends, as well as being a Grandma to all her Grandchildren's friends! She carried all her friendships through life and loved to keep in touch by phone, Facebook, and yes Good Ol' snail mail. Bonnie absolutely adored her church family at Wyldewood Baptist Church. She loved being a part of all the events bringing all children of God together as one big loving family. There was never a shortage of love, family, or togetherness in the years she attended service there. It was plethora of light, happiness, and smiles. 

Bonnie had many hobbies over the years. She cherished spending time and caring for her cats, Mosie Bear and Sammie; in which, she did every single day through her very last. Bonnie was a worker bee whether she was baking treats, making her delicious strawberry jam, or spending quality time with all 10 of her great grandchildren, 5 grandchildren, her daughters, and close friends. She was truly happy as long as she was moving and working and helping whomever she could.

Bonnie was a very small, but mighty woman; always had a radiant smile. She touched everyone with such a bright light and positivity. She will be remembered, loved, and missed so much by so many. She has filled so many lives with memories to be cherished. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her 1st born son Bryan S Knepel, in 2023; and her Great granddaughter, Charlotte Jane Patt, 2022. 

Survived by 3 of her 4 children: Kim M. Finn (56) & Dave Finn, Robyn R. Knepel (53) & Todd Severson, Michelle L Immel (51); 5 grandchildren: Tammy (Dustin) Patt, Thomas (Annalise) Perry, Heather Knepel, Hunter Schmitz, Joseph Immel; and 9 great-grandchildren; and many cousins & friends nearby. 

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 4:30 - 7:30pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Cremation will take place after the visitation. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held by Pastor B at Wyldewood Baptist Church, 3030 Witzel Ave, Oshkosh, WI, 54904 on Saturday January 20, 2024, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations for funeral arrangements will be accepted by the family.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com