Richard J. Kniefel

RICHARD J. KNIEFEL, age 89 of Owatonna passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at his home at Park Place in Owatonna.

Born on February 5, 1929 in Clinton Falls, Minnesota, he was the son of Frank B. and Gladys (Bartosch) Kniefel.   He graduated from Waterville High School in 1947 and following his schooling, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served from 1949-1952.    After his honorable discharge, he went to San Jose College in San Luis Obispo, California.  He was employed at Lockheed Aircraft and later Hiller Helicopter Co.  Richard later worked for Bell Helicopter where he traveled to Korea and Vietnam during the War as well as the Philippines, England, Amsterdam and several other countries.  Following his retirement, he lived in Dallas, TX for many years before returning to Minnesota.

He is survived by two sisters, Agnes Kniefel of Faribault and Jeanette Lennon of Owatonna; sister-in-law, Ann Kniefel of Waterville and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bernard “Ben” Kniefel; and brother-in-law, Darrell Lennon.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, one hour before services at the church. 

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