Norman L. “Norm”  Knockel, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on December 16, 2025, at Select Specialty, MercyOne Genesis in Davenport.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Martin Obeng officiating.

Norm was born on October 12, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Herman and Mabel (Smith) Knockel. He graduated from 8th grade at Holy Ghost School in Dubuque, IA. He was united in marriage to Karen Kutsch on July 30th, 1966, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Norm was employed at Dubuque Packing Company for more than 35 years, followed by 15 years serving in security at Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino, now known as Q Casino, until his retirement.

Norm was well known for the many memorable phrases that those closest to him would often repeat. Family and friends would fondly remark that he truly had the “gift of gab,” capable of engaging anyone in conversation about anything. His nickname “Stormin’ Norman” reflected his lively spirit and enduring presence, while many joked that “that man has more lives than a cat!” When asked for his opinion, Norm’s classic, gentle reply was always, “Oh, that’s very nice, dear,” and, of course, it was universally agreed that “he’s one helluva card player.”

Truly, Norm could talk to anyone about anything, and he loved doing so.  He especially enjoyed teasing those around him, and his goofy personality could bring a person to tears, particularly when playing cards.  He was also one of the most generous people you would ever meet; no task was too big when it came to helping others, and even though money was usually tight, he paid extra if buying locally and wouldn’t ever hear of getting paid back for any money borrowed.

Norm loved spending time outside; in the over 50 years that he and the family lived at their country residence in Dubuque County, Norm could be seen mowing the 1.5 acres of land, chopping wood, gathering apples from the trees, caring for the many cats, dogs, and even a pet pig(!) that came and went over the years, gardening, and making sure everyone had enough firewood, marshmallows, and hotdogs during the yearly “Camp Normy” events.  Norm made sure to pass that love of the outdoors on to his kids and grandkids, all of them having fond memories of the many adventures with him, including (but not limited to):  hunting night crawlers, searching the countryside for morels in the spring, creek stomping (which always involved skipping rocks and trying to catch crawdads), sledding and building snow forts in the winter, fishing, and playing A LOT of softball—during which, he ALWAYS had to be the pitcher because no one else could do it as well as he could (and no one could dodge the line drives as well as he could, either).  He also loved to go bird hunting, but never more so than when he found his favorite hunting buddy of all time:  a Springer-Spaniel mix named Ed.

While Norm thrived in the outdoors, he was also a Dubuquer, which meant, of course, that he played Euchre. LOTS of Euchre. Growing up in the Knockel household, many different card games were played, including Pinochle, Solo, Canasta, Hearts, but none more than Euchre.  And, while his family doesn’t want to admit it, he was one of the best Euchre players there ever was (even if that meant the lessons he gave while teaching someone to play were a bit painful!).  Playing cards without him will never be the same, but thankfully, the memories made playing cards with him will never run out.

Norm is survived by his wife Karen Knockel, Dubuque, IA; Daughter: Donna (Mark) Duehr, Dubuque, IA; Son: Tony Knockel (partner Connie Garrett), Dubuque, IA; Daughter: Sarah (Mike) Flynn, Asbury, IA. Brother: Mike Knockel, Dubuque, IA; Sisters-in-Law: Grace Knockel, East Dubuque, IL, and Betty Kutsch, Zwingle, IA.  Grandchildren:  Britiney (John) Rogers, Tony Knockel, Jr., Alex Knockel, Misha Jobgen, and Jarrett Jobgen.  Great grandchildren:  Bella Wilson, Max Rogers, and John Paul Rogers, Jr.  along with dear friends, Harvey and Jean Miller, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law (Edward and Irma Kutsch).  Siblings:  Marguerite Knockel, Lorraine (Francis) Muenster, Bernice (Don) Falkiner, Herman (Irene) Knockel Jr., James Knockel, Otto Knockel, Patricia (Clayton) Averill, Shirley (William) Anderson, Barbara Bandy, and Ann (Michael) Riste; Siblings-in-law:  Eugene Kutsch, Madonna Kutsch, Sue Kutsch; and son-in-law, Tim Jobgen.

Norm’s family would like to thank his primary care provider, Dr. Nachtman, and all of the other care providers from Medical Associates that he had throughout the years for their outstanding care and support.