Judith Ann (Judy) Knickelbine passed from this life on August 10, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born in Manitowoc, the daughter of (John) Theodore and Antonia Kuechmann.
Judy grew up on the south side of Manitowoc, where her parents operated Kuechmann’s Food Market. One of seven children, she helped her parents in the store especially when her father took work in places like Alaska and Greenland as a truck driver during and post-World War II. She enjoyed sneaking candy from the store’s candy case, and her sweet tooth remained with her throughout her life.
Judy attended St. Boniface school and Lincoln High School, where she excelled in writing. She worked at the Tinsel Factory, and after graduation studied pediatric nursing in Chicago.
In high school Judy met Dale Knickelbine, and they were married in 1952 at St Andrews church. Judy left nursing school and Dale worked in utility construction at Gray-Robinson, and later Vinton Construction companies. They were longtime members of St. Paul’s and later St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Judy worked as a homemaker, and later held several positions as a receptionist, school cook at St. Paul’s school, and a floral arranger at Copp’s. After retirement, she and Dale purchased a camper and enjoyed many days camping, especially at Ham Lake near Wabeno. They had many friends throughout their life together and spent many hours visiting and playing cards. Judy enjoyed gardening and feeding the birds at their home in Manitowoc Rapids, going to rummage sales, and caring for her grandchildren, who have fond memories of shopping with Grandma, baking special dishes from recipes she found for them (especially cream puffs), and making special flower arrangements.
After retirement she volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Society food pantry in Manitowoc and loved helping people there. After moving to Laurel Grove Assisted living in 2012, she continued to help others by knitting many stocking caps for children in need.
Judy is survived by her brother: Jerome and Barbara Tarkington-Kuechmann (Columbus NC); her children: Jim and Susan-Schum Knickelbine (Manitowoc), Mary Knickelbine and Bob Finke (Columbia Heights, MN), and Andy and Jenny Knickelbine (Manitowoc); she is also survived by her grandchildren: Jenny Knickelbine and Jacob Hanna (Middleton WI), Matthew and Maureen Knickelbine (Denmark WI), and Emma Knickelbine and Will Puestow (Milwaukee WI). She was preceded in death by her husband: Dale; her parents; and her siblings: Fr. Ted Kuechmann, James Kuechmann, Edith Sylvester, John Kuechmann, and Charles Kuechmann
Judy loved her family, and she loved her faith. She lived her life as a testament to both. She will be forever remembered and loved by her family.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall, in Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place immediately after Mass at Calvary Catholic Mausoleum, Manitowoc.
Memorial donations can be made to Shady Lane, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Sharon Richardson Hospice, or the charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
Judy’s family wishes to thank the staff at Shady Lane for their loving care, Dr. Mark Herring for many years of care, and the staff of Sharon Richardson Hospice, Inc.
