Neil Allen Knoll, 84, of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 with his family by his side after a courageous fight with cancer.

He was born on July 2, 1941 to Daniel and Ruth (Martin) Knoll at Defiance. He spent all his life in Defiance where he met his wife, Joyce Schuette at Toot & Tell Restaurant. They were married for 61 years. Together they raised two daughters; Tonya and Wendy.

Neil graduated from Defiance High School in 1960. He enjoyed going to races in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio with his best friend, Craig. He worked at Zeller Corp until their closing and then Town and Country in Bryan. Neil and Joyce took many bus trips and spent a lot of time camping at Huggy Bear Campground. They traveled to all 50 states, with Alaska being their favorite. If he wasn't traveling, he was going to ball games to watch his grandkids play and cheer.

His favorite car was his Corvette, which he named Missy.

Neil is survived by his loving wife Joyce; children Tonya (Jeff) Justus and Wendy (Scott) Sullivan; grandchildren Trevor (Karlea) Justus, Madisson (Ed Salsmen) Justus, and Ally (AJ) Short; three great grandchildren, Ellie Baez, Lincoln Justus, Carter Short and Levi Justus who will be coming within weeks, and his brother, Gary Knoll of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Pat Engle.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S Clinton.Street) in Defiance. A small service will be held at Riverview Memory Gardens on Friday, May 1, 2026 beginning with a gathering at the funeral home at 10:30 am and proceeding at 11:00 am to the cemetery for committal services with Rev Steve Niermann officiating

A luncheon following the service will be served at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Defiance.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com