Donald E. Knecht, 85, of Houghton passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen after a weeklong battle with Covid.
A private family funeral service was held Saturday, March 6 at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, Aberdeen, with Pastor Eldon Reich officiating.
Burial will be at a later date.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.
Donald Eugene Knecht was born on May 29, 1935, the oldest child of Elmer and Viola (Ole) (Hansen) Knecht in Aberdeen, SD. Donnie grew up on the farm that he and his dad would one day farm together. He attended the James School through 8th grade and attended high school in Claremont, graduating in 1953. Donnie was a proud member of the undefeated Honker’s 6-man championship football team.
Donnie married the love of his life Doris Mommer on June 29, 1956, in Aberdeen. They made their home on a farm near Houghton, and eventually moved into Houghton, where Donnie continued to live until his death. Donnie & Doris enjoyed 48 years together. They loved spending time with family and friends bowling, dancing, playing cards, camping, and traveling to Twins games until Doris passed away in 2004.
Donnie loved being a farmer, operating machinery, and raising livestock for almost 70 years. One of his favorite times of year was harvest and running the combine. There were many great memories made on the farm, especially working with his two sons. Donnie was always thinking of ways to build or improve things. He would come up with the ideas and leave it to his sons to put those ideas into action. He took great pride in the projects they built together. He was known for teaching the farm dogs many interesting tricks. Neighbors and friends were always dropping by the farm (Hilltop) to visit and solve the world’s problems or play a game of horseshoe or cards. No one enjoyed a fresh ear of sweet corn, or a cucumber, radish, or tomato straight from the garden more than Donnie.
Donnie was a member of the Columbia Masons and Aberdeen Shriners. He served on the Houghton and North Brown School boards and was a member of the Houghton Congregational Church where he also served on the church council.
Donnie will be greatly missed by his three children: Dawn (Monte) Nipp of Langford, Mick (Becky) Knecht, and Pat Knecht all of Houghton; six grandchildren: Abby (Gavin) Krueger, Zachary Nipp, Megan (Davi) Handa, Matt (Whitney) Knecht, Spencer Knecht and Macy Knecht; two great granddaughters: Gia and Ivy Krueger; five siblings: Karen (Allen) Siefkes, Butch Knecht, Kathy (Rick) Schultz, Chuck (Denise) Knecht, and Karyl (Jeremy) Clay, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister-in-law Betty Knecht, and nephew Tim Knecht.
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