Mark John Knetter

Mark J. Knetter, 63, Wausau, died suddenly Monday, October 28, 2024 at his home. He was born July 3, 1961, in Wausau, son of Clarence Knetter and Irene (Lepak) Knetter. On June 23, 1990, he was married to the love of his life, Beth (Buchacek) Knetter at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau and they shared 34 incredible years together. She survives.
Mark was a devoted father who found immense joy in watching his children excel in multiple sports (softball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse) but was especially fond of hockey. Mark considered the years traveling near and far for games and tournaments and enjoying the camaraderie of hockey families some of the best years of his life. Most recently, the highlight of each week was following his son Derek as he played for the Nijmegen Devils in the Netherlands. He enjoyed attending Packer and Brewer games and he was a steadfast fan through the ups and downs. He was always rooting for the Brewers to win a World Series.
As a car enthusiast, also known as "Ernie Derr", Mark frequently attended stock car and dirt track motorcycle races. He fulfilled a lifelong dream by owning a C8 Corvette with his beloved wife, Beth.
Mark took great pride in maintaining the home he built, where he raised his family. His attention to detail and doing things the right way were apparent in all aspects of his life, including keeping a beautifully manicured lawn.
His love for the outdoors often took him and Beth to Boulder Junction, a special place they shared with his sister Judy and brother-in-law Scott. As a family they enjoyed fishing and hunting at "The Last Forty", passing these passions down to his children. Family was at the center of Mark's values in life, and he especially cherished the blessing of being a grandpa to Lyla and Henrí. Mark considered his most memorable trips with Beth to be Montana, Arizona, Florida, Ontario and Europe. He especially liked taking her through the Bear Tooth Pass or scaling the Grindelwald, Switzerland cliff walk and watching her close her eyes. Mark's happy place was having Beth seated next to him as his co-pilot in their life's travels. His legacy of love and adventure will forever resonate in the hearts of his family.
Mark was a tireless hard worker and celebrated 43 years of service working at Ahlstrom in Rhinelander, the former Wausau Paper Mill, retiring on his terms in August 2024. In addition, Mark owned and operated KDK Ginseng together with his brother Tom and brother-in-law Scott for 20 years.
Survivors include his wife Beth; Wausau, children, Derek (Susan Rol), Netherlands, David (Morgan), Wausau, Kelly (André) Carriveau, Wausau, grandchildren, Lyla Knetter and Henrí Carriveau, siblings, Tom (Barb) Knetter, Deforest, Jerry Knetter & Audrey Shomos, Evansville, Pat Knetter and Sonja Heigl, Pittsburg, IL, mother-in-law Margaret Buchacek, Mosinee, brothers-in-law, Jerome Schilling, Wausau, Scott Durand, Boulder Junction, Frank (Julie) Buchacek, Green Bay, Brian (Tracy) Buchacek, Rothschild; sisters-in-law, Lynn (Ken) Duberstein, Weston, Sally (Patrick) Medvecz, Wausau, Molly (Jeff) Breitenbach, Kronenwetter, Lea (Glen) Loppnow, Mosinee; nieces and nephews, Ann Knetter, Naomi (Jason) Holzmann, Brent and Brady Schilling, Erin (Jonathon) Matta, Erik (Amber) Knetter, Joshua, Jason, and Marlena Neitzke, Vanessa (Chris) Chowning, Ashley (Todd) Olson, Brandon, Brice, and Mary Buchacek, Thomas, Ronald, and Christopher Medvecz, Alex and Kate Buchacek, Elle Breitenbach, Amy (Chase) Crowell, and Amanda Loppnow and many great-nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Irene and Clarence Knetter, sisters Judith Durand and Nancy Schilling, father-in-law Ronald Buchacek and sisters-in-law Laurie Knetter and Julie Knetter.
Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. and Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau. Father Samuel Martin will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wausau Youth Hockey (https://www.wausauhockey.org/donate).
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com