Dan Knecht, 65, left this earth on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Born on January 5, 1958, Dan’s early childhood was spent on 13th Place in Lombard, with siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends, while riding bikes, playing GI Joe, Hot Wheels and sports, swimming, and pretending to be Elvis, Batman, or Superman.
Dan moved to Peotone as a freshman, graduating from Peotone High School in 1976. He lived the remainder of his life nearby, moving from Peotone to Manteno to Chebanse, before returning to Peotone, where he and his wife found their dream house, complete with sauna and built-in pool.
Dan was well known and well-loved. He was a skilled and artistic carpenter, held a third degree black belt in Hapkido and, as Sensei Dan, he taught martial arts to many local children. Dan was a collector of PEZ dispensers, 4ocean bracelets, Funko Pops, toys, and comics. We will remember Dan’s smile and calm spirit, resting in paradise on a peaceful beach in his flannel hoodie, visor, shorts, and Vibram five finger shoes.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kelly (Coriell), whom he married on August 5, 1995; children, Gabrielle Sage Knecht (Brendan) and Declan Gray Knecht; siblings Jack (Alice) Knecht, Jean (Gary) Hudson, Ed (Karen) Knecht, and Michelle (Jeff) Haag, all of Peotone; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Knecht of Peotone.
Join family and friends for a Celebration of Life at the Peotone American Legion, on Friday, March 24, at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Dan’s favorite cause, 4ocean, working to end the plastic crisis in our oceans, rivers, and coastlines.