John Linus Knispel, age 78, died peacefully at his home in White River, South Dakota with his loving wife by his side on September 28th, 2020.

John L. Knispel was born October 27th, 1941 in Rapid City, South Dakota to John Danley and Marguerite Millicent (Miller) Knispel. He grew up a truck driver and farmer’s child that frequently relocated in the surrounding areas. John had many stories to tell of his adventures in school and he took his education seriously. He made his family the top priority when he decided to terminate his formal schooling. John made a choice to get a job to help his family. John felt the long-term effects of losing his sister Janice to cancer at such a young age.

John married the love of his life on July 24th, 1964 at St. Ignatius Church in White River, South Dakota. From their union came four blessed children: Paul Knispel, Edward Knispel, Kathleen Krogman, and Bobbie Knispel. He also had eight grandchildren: John, Jessica, Anica, Amanda, Alyssa, Mariah, Savannah, Julie, and Mia; three great-grandchildren: Stella, Ramsie, and Bowen.

John made the most out of his early to rise and late to bed strong work ethic as he learned from his life’s experiences. John enjoyed his 31+ years of ranch life working for Adrian Land and Cattle Company, his occupation with excavation dirt projects for Jack Sumners, then jumped at the opportunity to own his own Custom Combining business with his brother Charlie. His hard work finally paid off when his dream of owning his own piece of land came true, against many obstacles and with his bride's support they worked together to buy the Original Petr Homestead and part of the Jarl Farming Operation. John was known for his wild childhood and bachelor day stories, being a loving devoted spouse, a supportive father, and proud grandpa. John was a hardworking man that let ethics guide his way, “It’s not always popular to do the right thing.” “Values don’t change depending on the day or the mood.” “Ya, you know with me it’s always been black and white.”

Anyone that knew him, knew he was a man of his word. His handshake was better than a written legal contract, and he was always fair, honest, and kind to all. He never wanted to owe anybody anything. John was not a social butterfly, he was very opinionated, and he always felt things should be right or wrong. He was a loving friend to everyone he met. John always referred to himself as the poorest man in Mellette County, but he was the richest man in the qualities that matter. John was finally able to slow down and spend quality time with his bride on December 22nd, 2014. He made the most of every minute that they had together for ever after. John loved to study new things, play the guitar, go for his daily cruises, eat his morning homemade cinnamon roll with his wife of 56+ years, and looked forward to reminiscing with family and friends when they stopped in. The last few years he was able to catch up on sleep and was able to watch car races, “Gun Smoke”, “Married with Children”, and “Hee Haw”. John was a simple, humble man that loved with his big heart and guided with a steady hand.

John is survived by his wife Judith; four children: Paul David Knispel of White River, Edward Eugene (Jamie) Knispel of Leechburg, PA, Kathleen Ann Krogman of Murdo, and Bobbie Jo (Jeremy) Knispel of Murdo; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two brothers: Ronald Lee Knispel and Gary Steven Knispel both of Murdo; sister Jeanette Kay (Jay) Drayer of Murdo; brother-in-law Jerald Applebee and all his extended in-law and out-law families.

Preceding John on his heavenly journey include his parents John and Marguerite Knispel; three sisters: Janice Joy Knispel, Carol Lynn (Jerald) Applebee, and Generose Voanne Knispel; brother Charles Clark (Sandra) Knispel; and his horse “Bay”.


A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the Parish Sacred Heart Hall.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in White River with Pastor Harold Ambrose officiating.

Interment will follow at the White River Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 43 White River, SD 57579.