Frieda "Fretsy" Mae McKnight

It is with great sadness that the family of Frieda “Fretsy” M. McKnight, 84, of Schofield, WI, announces her passing away peacefully on October 30, 2025.

She was born in Grant County on August 13, 1941, to the late Hilda McKnight.  

While in her fifties, she pursued a career at McDonald's, where she worked for twenty-nine years, before retiring at the age of 82. While at McDonald's, Frieda trained multiple staff members and always took pride in her employment there. She was always happy to discuss her job with anyone, while having a smile on her face. Her favorite position was the back grill, making her customers burgers. Frets was known for her quick wit, jokes and sarcastic remarks. She had an absolute love for horses and her “kitties,” at home. She found much joy in the most simple things that life had to offer her, like a simple bottle of Sprite brought to her by anyone who thought of it. 

Outside of work, Fretsy was an avid old model car fan and enjoyed spending time with her family. Her dream and favorite car was a 1955 Chevy, where her collection was displayed on a shelf, within the dining room at home. She enjoyed taking walks outdoors, getting the mail, and feeding the wild rabbits carrots in the back yard. She also enjoyed reading books and playing card games. Going out to eat with her sister, Sandy and other individuals always made her day. She had some wonderful stories to tell from spending time with her family, goofing around with her Grandchildren and playing with her Great Grandchildren.

Frieda is survived by her child, Bruce Kapellan (Laurie Sowinski); three grandchildren, Amber Kloth (Chad), Tyler Sowinski (Tesa) and Austin Sowinski (Emily Zernicke); and seven great grandchildren, Tiawanna, Samantha, Teagen, McKinzey, Matthew, Bradley and Kylie, and one future Great Great Granddaughter. Her siblings, Eileen Vaughn, Sandra Bloedel, Carol Hodgkins, and Marianne Cook.

She was preceded in death by her Stepfather, Elroy Lemke (1921-2006), Mother, Hilda Lemke (1926-2012), brother Roy Lemke and Great Great Grandchild Zaylah McGeshick (2024).

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Sylvan Hill Park Chalet, 1329 Sylvan Street, Wausau, WI 54403, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12:00 until 4:00 PM.

A special thank you from Frieda's family goes to the staffs of Heartland Hospice of Stevens Point, Rennes Health and Rehab Center of Weston, and Ascend Funeral Home of Weston.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care is assisting the McKnight family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.