William Fredrick Knuppel Jr.

William "Bill" F. Knuppel, Jr. age 93, of Big Arm, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at home with his family by his side.
He was born April 22, 1919 in Rockford, IL to William F. Sr. and Frances Hunkey Knuppel. Bill was involved with the Marine Corps for many years, he served in WWII and the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd and 4th Award) as well as numerous other medals. He was Honorably Discharged on November 30, 1956. He retired from the US Marine Corps.
He married his loving wife, Mildred Umphres. The couple spent many fun times in Montana and Arizona, and then finally made the move to Big Arm, Montana into their dream home, which has the most beautiful view of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains.
Bill was a fun, caring, giving, and loving husband and father. Bill had the greatest love and care for his friends and colleagues. He was a very funny guy, even on the phone. In 1956, he was 67 points from going to the Olympics. Between 1955 and 1958, he was the defending champion of the Inter-Service Triathlon. It's been told that he made great fried chicken that's never to be duplicated. He also had an ongoing interest in sports and politics.
Bill is survived by his beautiful wife, Mildred; daughters, Nedra and Kim, and step-daughter, Kathy. Bill is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of his life will take place at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, April 26th, 2013 at 11:00 AM with full military honors to follow.
Messages of condolences may be shared at with the family online at www.groganfuneral.com.
Read William Knuppel, Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.