 Gary R. Knoeppel passed away after many years of confronting cancer and a brief hospitalization at Stanford University Medical Center on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2013 in Aptos, Calif. He was with his family when cancer took him. Those who knew of his fortitude called him a warrior. Gary was born to Ann (Uchytil) and Ross M. Knoeppel in Paso Robles in November 1942. He was 11 years old when his father died in an industrial accident. After graduation from Paso Robles High School, he joined the U.S. Navy with the "encouragement" of the local police department, who knew him well. Upon his return to his hometown after military duty, Gary briefly worked for PG&E before enrolling at Cuesta Community College. He then went on to UCLA and earned his college degree in automotive technology. He obtained a vocational teaching credential, which allowed him to help establish and teach auto shop at Templeton High School. His dedication to teaching was obvious when he started the first girls auto shop class in the county. He opened the auto shop on Saturdays to allow all students to work on their personal car projects. During this time, he also coached the junior varsity football team and won a league championship, of which he was very proud. After several years of teaching, Gary decided to pursue his other passion, home construction. He worked with two friends and built homes in Sacramento and Lake Tahoe before returning to Paso Robles. This return was hastened by his recent introduction by mutual friends to his future wife, Joan. They eventually eloped to Lake Tahoe on March 3, 1986. Gary obtained his California Building Contractors license and began to build custom homes in northern San Luis Obispo County. While building homes for clients, Gary also built he and Joan''s first home together in Paso Robles and then in Creston. Although diagnosed a few years after being married with a pre-cancerous blood disorder, Gary did not let it dictate his life. He was determined to keep it and future malignancies on the run with healthy eating, exercise and a mindset that at times even baffled his doctors. In 2003, Gary "retired" to Rogue River, Ore., where he turned a ramshackle cabin on 23 acres into a lovely and comfortable home fronting a creek in the forest. At the same time, he finished his 14 year street rod project. He and Joan began to show, cruise and enjoy their 1946 Ford pick-up. He received numerous awards and show trophies, which he humbly accepted. Gary stayed active all of his 70 years, including riding dirt bikes, water and snow skiing, surfing off Pismo Beach and "amateur" car racing. With age came wisdom and upon his move to Oregon he enjoyed fishing, camping and exploring his new home state. This included trips over to Plush in the eastern Oregon desert with his childhood buddy and fellow Oregonian, Don Barss. Gary never grew tired of finding new projects on which to work. Gary is survived by his wife, Joan; Joan''s twin sister, Teresa Driscoll (Bill Lev-a fellow Bohemian); and dear aunt Mary Uchytil Vestnys (Gordon), who were more like older siblings. He is also survived by his nephew, Todd Knoeppel; nieces Kristen Knoeppel Minguh and Krissy Knoeppel Isaacs; and sister-in-law, Sharon Knoeppel; along with numerous cousins and close friends near and far. A lifelong animal lover, Gary also leaves his beloved Aussie/Border collie, "Cheyenne," who quietly lay with him as his spirit left this world. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Ross M. Knoeppel, who succumbed to this cruel disease in 1999. As saddened as we are to lose such a truly wonderful man, please join with us and help celebrate his life. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan 9, 2013, at the chapel at Keuhl-Nicolay Funeral Home, 1703 Spring St. in Paso Robles, with burial at Paso Robles District Cemetery. After the service, friends are invited to join the family at the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles. Donations preferred to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.lls.org; American Bladder Cancer Society www.bladdercancersupport.org; Hospice of Santa Cruz County www.hospicesantacruz.org; Caring Bridge "Making each health journey easier" www.caringbridge.org Kuehl-Nicolay 238-4383 Paso Robles
Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on January 5, 2013
![]() |
|
Bookmark this memorial on Facebook with the My Memorials™ application. My Memorials™ helps you honor departed family members, friends, and even favorite celebrities – all on your Facebook page.
|
Thank you. You have now memorialized on Facebook.
 |
The My Memorials Facebook app allows you to:
- Connect with memorials that are important to you.
- Get updates on your memorials in your Facebook News Feed.
- Share your memories with your Facebook friends.
|
|
|
|
You are searching
|
 |
|
|
