LaVerne Fred "Bud" Knispel

1929 - 2025

LaVerne Fred (affectionally known as "Bud") Knispel, 96, passed away at the Central Nebraska Veteran's Home in Kearney Nov. 4, 2025.

Bud was born Aug. 4, 1929, in rural Cozad to Clara (Knoop) Knispel and William Knispel.

He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Buffalo.

Bud joined the Navy in July 1948, in Omaha.

He served aboard the ship Juneau on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Mediterranean Sea.

His job was boatswain mate. He served with the 6th and 7th Fleets.

He was discharged at Norfolk, Va. Nov. 22, 1953.

Bud was a continuous American Legion Post #250 member for 72 years. He was very proud of his membership.

After being discharged from the Navy, Bud went to welding school in Milford. He was employed in Omaha for two years before returning to the farm to work with his dad.

Bud enjoyed playing on the "Eichs" softball team and was very proud of winning State Men's Softball Tournament in 1966. He was awarded the sportsmanship trophy at that ballgame.

He was also a skilled pool player, and he enjoyed playing at Roy's Pastime and in later years, at Callaway.

Bud lived most of his life in the Buffalo and Eddyville community.

He lived in Broken Bow for several years and worked for Eichelberger Construction.

Later on, he purchased a swather and did custom work. He commented this was better than having 50 head of cows.

He spent a lot of time working with his brother-in-law and sister, Herb and Elsie.

He cherished the time his nephews and nieces spent with him. He was a good uncle, and his sense of humor will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Alfred (Dolores) Knispel; sisters Arlene (Hank) Struempler and Elsie (Herb) Struempler; nephew Dennis Struempler; and nephews-in-law Lloyd Eggleston and Ken Beeman.

He is survived by his nephews and nieces - Cliff (Shirlee) Knispel, Garlyn Beeman, Curtis (Linda) Knispel, Jim Knispel, Maynard (Judy) Struempler, Sandra Eggleston, Diane (Harold) Kettelhake, Sheryl (Rex) Taylor, Deb (Gail) Rapp, Lana (Jim) Lymber; special cousin Sharon (Al) Boelman; many great nephews; great nieces; extended family; and friends.

Funeral Services are Friday, Nov. 7, at the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Victor Rasmussen officiating. 

Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. 

Interment with Military Honors will be at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery at Buffalo.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Oconto American Legion Post #250 or the Oconto Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com