Joan L. Knochel, 80, of Lafayette, and long time resident of Kentland went to be with her Lord at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Monday, March 19, 2012 with her husband at her side. She was born December 30, 1931 in Watseka, Illinois to the late Sidney and Emma (McClure) Mote. She graduated in 1949 from Auburndale High School in Florida and also from Watseka High School in Illinois graduating with two diplomas. Her marriage was to Dale Knochel on June 4, 1950 in the Watseka United Methodist Church. He survives. Joan helped her husband on the family farm in Kentland, where they lived until moving to the Lafayette area in 2002. Mrs. Knochel was active at the Kentland United Methodist Church and was most recently a member of the Dayton United Methodist Church. She is also a member of the Newton County Extension Homemakers Club. She enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Florida for several years where she was very involved in Christian Retreat activities. She was an avid bird watcher and was an excellent seamstress and artist, drawing illustrations for books. Surviving with her husband are her children, Cynthia Gonzales (husband: Thomas) of Denver, Colorado, Charlotte Mette (husband: Christopher) of Green Bay, WI, Christian Knochel (wife: Susan) of Kentland and Charles Knochel (wife: Kimberley) of West Lafayette. Joan loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Tracy Coussens, Sean Knochel, Jonathan Mette and her 6 great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. (EST) Thursday, March 22, 2012 in Dayton United Methodist Church (7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton, IN 47941) and also from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2012. Rev. Mike Dominick to officiate. Interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Kentland. Memorials may be made to Physiocare Hospice of Lafayette or the Gideon's Bible Fund.