Colonel Timothy Carl “Spike” Knoell, Nebraska National Guard, Retired, passed away December 25, 2018. He was born April 13, 1929 on the family farm in New Helena, Nebraska to Edward and Mary (Maroney) Knoell. He married Phyllis Ann Knight June 12, 1951 who preceded him in death in 2015. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, a sister, and a grandson, Chad Gannon.
After graduating from Anselmo High School in 1946, Spike continued working the family farm in New Helena, Nebraska. He enlisted in the National Guard as a private in 1950 while continuing his love of farming. In 1959, Spike relocated his family to Lincoln, Nebraska to devote to a lifelong career with the National Guard. As a side “hobby” he, along with Phyllis, owned and operated PJ’s Off Sale in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Spike lived his life with pride, loyalty, and commitment, serving his state and community. He was a kid at heart and thoroughly enjoyed social events, costume festivals and pulling pranks on colleagues. Playing Santa became his trademark. His greatest hobby was tinkering.
Spike was a persistent, hardworking, devoted, and loving husband and father of four children. He is survived by his sister, Mary “Sis” Moulton; children – Pamela Steube, Jacqueline Knoell, Thomas Craig Knoell and Julie Ehlers; grandchildren – Hallie Steube Robinson, Lindsay Gannon-Petersen, Carly Bari, Casey Knoell and Landon Ehlers; and great-grandchildren – Nicholas Gannon, Tyler Gannon, Jaylin Petersen, Michael Bari and Leo Ehlers.
A Celebration of Spike’s life will be held Friday, January 4, 2019 at 11:00am at Roper & Sons mortuary, 4300 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.