Dale E. Knochel, 88, of Lafayette, formerly  of Kentland, passed away January 23, 2016 at his residence in Lafayette, IN.

He was born November 25, 1927 in South Bend, IN to the late Christian and Vera (Brown) Knochel.

 Dale served in the United States Military from February of 1946 until his honorable discharge in September of 1947. He traveled to Washington D.C.  in the fall of 2012 on the Greater Lafayette Honor Flight. His marriage was to Joan Mote on June 4, 1950 in the Watseka United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on March 19, 2012.

Dale was a Farm Bureau member and Kentland VFW Post 1348 member for over 50 years. He was also a faithful member of the United Methodist Church all his life serving at both Kentland and Dayton parishes.

Mr. Knochel farmed in the Kentland area for most of his 60 years in farming.  Dale participated as a lay missionary to the country of Zaire in 1968. He also helped in the building of the United Methodist Church in Puerto Rico, San Antonio, TX, and on a Native American Reservation in Southern California as a NOMAD.

He is survived by his children, Cynthia (husband: Tom) Gonzales of Lakewood, CO; Charlotte  (husband: Chris) Mette of Waukesha, WI; Charles (wife: Kimberly) Knochel of West Lafayette, IN; Chris (wife: Susan) Knochel of Kentland, IN. Also surviving are sisters Mary Alice, Carol, and Kathy; brothers, Wayne and Gerald; grandchildren, Tracy Coussens, Sean Knochel, Jonathan Mette and 7 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death with his parents and wife are brothers John Wayne, Harold, and Don.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm (EST) until 8:00 pm (EST), Thursday, January 28, 2016  and from 10:00   am (EST) until time of service at 11:00 am (EST), Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Dayton United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Dominick officiating. Interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery of Kentland.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

 Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com