Allan "Chuck" Knetter

Chuck entered eternal life with his family by his side March 3rd, 2022. He was a man with a lifelong dedication to God and his family that he loved. His love for his pets, sports, travel, listening to his vast array of music and Jackie’s gourmet cooking were among his passions. Born July 30th, 1938, in Marathon, WI on his grandparent’s farm to Anton and Amelia “Molly” (Volhard) Knetter, he completed his early education at St Mary’s Roman Catholic School. He graduated from Bowler HS in 1956 playing basketball, baseball, and volleyball. After graduation Chuck attended college with a tryout to pitch professionally. His college career and baseball dreams ended when had to return home to Bowler to help in the family cheese making business.

When Chuck returned to Bowler to make cheese, he also registered in the Armed Forces of the United States in 1957 and served honorably as Sargent, Co D, 1st Med Tk Bn (Patton) 105th Armor. He was proud of his great-grandfather Henry P. Volhard who emigrated from Germany to New York in 1861 enlisting at age 17 during the Civil War. During this time, his great-grandfather served as a military bodyguard to President Abraham Lincoln in his latter travels.

On a beautiful spring day in April, Chuck married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Lucia at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marion WI and began raising their family. He and Jackie moved to North Dakota in 1961 to continue the cheese making business and pioneered an industry in two different cities. First establishing Lakota Cheese, operated with his dad and brother Glen. Chuck moved his family to Medina in 1965 where he was sole proprietor of Knetter’s Medina Cheese and BMJ Trucking for over 20 years setting up receiving stations in New Salem, Elgin and acquiring a cheese factory in Tuttle. He served as President of the North Dakota Cheese Makers Association from 1968-1986 and current member throughout his life.

Chuck was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church serving as Secretary-Treasurer and Catechism teacher in the early years. He was a member of Medina City Council, Eagles and Elks Clubs. His passion for sports led him to sponsor and coach softball and basketball teams both men’s and women’s, as well as well as Pee Wee and Babe Ruth teams. He also played on numerous softball and basketball teams; on one memorable team he was a 1979 North Dakota State 30 and over Softball Champion with Parkway Café in Jamestown. He loved to run or ride bike into Medina from the family farm by Crystal Springs. He enjoyed the Fall Festival’s, the infamous corn roasts, his years announcing the parades, demolition derbies and tractor pulls in Medina, Tappen and Steele.

Retiring in 1986, Chuck enjoyed traveling with Jackie, trips to Hawaii, RV trips to Texas, and visiting his kids and grand/great grandkids coast to coast. He stayed busy at home as a businessman and investor reading and studying to find where the latest trends were to do business in at the time of his passing. He was a great conversationalist with a rich base of life experiences, and entertaining stories to share. He was a friend, mentor, and coach to so many throughout his life.

Chuck is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Stephanie (Miles), son Mark (Roberta) daughter Christine (Steve), son Brian, his brother Ralph, six grandchildren, Kristin, Ian, Jak, Alexa, Andrew, Taylor, and two great grandchildren Angeleena, and Valentino. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Amelia, his beloved son Jeffrey, and brothers Glen, and Antone. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will be missed by many until we meet again in heaven. His spirit and strength will continue to inspire and live in our hearts forever.

Please join us in Celebrating the life of Chuck. Funeral Mass Saturday, June 11th, 2022, at 1 PM at St. Mathias Catholic Church, Windsor ND. Burial following at St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Medina. Celebration Reception following at the Medina Legion Hall.

Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.