Wayne Wilburt Knechtel

Wayne W. Knechtel, 94, of Bad Axe, passed away peacefully Friday, August 19, 2022 at home.

Wayne was born September 1, 1927 in Elkton to the late Alvin and Verda (Eidt) Knechtel. He graduated in 1945 from Elkton High School and joined the US Merchant Marines. On June 26, 1947 he married Audrey Walsh at the Elkton Evangelical Church; she preceded him in death on October 20, 1998.

He owned and operated Knechtel’s Market in Elkton from 1949 until 1975, where he was known for his smoked summer-sausage. He was a lifelong member at the Elkton United Methodist Church holding many offices within the church and singing in the choir. He was active in both Elkton and Bad Axe communities. In retirement he enjoyed time spent visiting and volunteering at the Huron County Senior Center.

Wayne is survived by his daughter Janice Parker of St. Joseph; grandchildren Christopher (Angie) Parker, Melanie (Shawn) Kinney, and Carrie Pratt (Greg); great-grandchildren Ethan, Elijah, Sarah, Jessica, Andrew, Ryan, Allison, Skyler, Samuel, Julian, Timothy, LiLayla, Jayce, and Gemma. Wayne was preceded in death by his daughter Julia Pratt, brother Alvin John Knechtel, and sister Mary Lou Elenbaum.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am Saturday, August 27th at the Elkton United Methodist Church with Rev. Won Kim officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-6pm Friday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huron County Community Foundation.