Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Paul Knockel missing person case profile photo

Paul Knockel Missing Person Case

Last seen in Dubuque, Iowa on Nov 26, 1990

Create Press Release
Create Social Post
Create Flyer

Victim Details

Aug 11, 2012

Nov 28, 2023

Paul

Knockel

88

53

70 inches

265 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Nov 26, 1990

Dubuque

Iowa

Dubuque County

31223

Dubuque Police Department

Dubuque

Iowa

Dubuque County

52001

Scott Baxter

Captain

770 Iowa Street, Iowa

5635894410

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.cityofdubuque.org/209/Police

90-31654

Dubuque Police Department

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 5, 2026


Area Last Seen:

View Videos (4)

COLD CASE: Paul Knockel - 1990 Mysterious Thanksgiving ...
Cold Case: Paul Knockel of Dubuque, IA -- WHO-TV Reports
COLD CASE: Paul Knockel - 1990 Mysterious Thanksgiving ...
Cold Case: Paul Knockel of Dubuque, IA -- WHO-TV Reports

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP17057) and 15 other sources
Paul Joseph Knockel, 53, went missing from Dubuque, Iowa, on November 26, 1990, after failing to show up for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. This was highly unusual for him, as he was a family-oriented man who lived a simple life, working menial jobs and depending on his family for help managing his finances due to a mild intellectual disability. When his family checked his home, they found his wallet, watch, and shoes, but Knockel and his car were gone. His maroon 1981 Mercury Zephyr was briefly spotted near Route 151, but it disappeared shortly afterward.

At the time of his disappearance, Knockel had no known enemies, and his quiet, solitary lifestyle made his vanishing even more mysterious. Despite thorough searches of the area, no trace of Knockel was found for over 30 years. Then, in October 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred when his vehicle was recovered from the Mississippi River near the Hawthorne Boat Ramp in Dubuque. However, no human remains were found inside the car, and Knockel’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Investigators continue to work on the case, but there are no strong indications of foul play, leaving his disappearance unresolved. His family, still seeking closure, hopes that new information might one day bring answers.
Last Seen: Nov 26, 1990

Links to Additional Sources (15)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Paul Joseph Knockel - Iowa Cold Cases
  • Car of Iowan missing since 1990 found in the Mississippi River
  • Paul Joseph Knockel: Iowa cold case gets first update in 30 years
  • 33-year-old cold case sees renewed calls for answers after missing ...
  • Paul Knockel - 1990 Mysterious Thanksgiving Disappearance
  • Dredging operation locates car of missing Dubuque man in 33-year ...
  • Paul Joseph Knockel - The Charley Project
  • Eastern Iowa man's car found over 30 years after disappearance
  • PAUL JOSEPH KNOCKEL - Iowa Missing Person
  • Dubuque Police Investigate Vehicle Pulled From Mississippi River
  • A Thanksgiving Mystery, the disappearance of Paul Knockel - Reddit
  • 237DMIA - Paul Joseph Knockel - Doe Network
  • 31 years ago this month, Paul Joseph Knockel disappeared from ...
  • Paul Joseph Knockel, 53, Dubuque, 26 November 1990 *NamUs ...

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    77%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP128925
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP128925 • Found Feb 9, 1992
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 95%Est. 55–65 vs 53 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 64%156 mi away
    TimingFound 14 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"
    Weight 79%211 lb vs 265 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP128939
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP128939 • Found Dec 16, 1991
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 53 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%161 mi away
    TimingFound 13 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"
    Weight 32%163 lb vs 265 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    Paul Joseph Knockel, 53, disappeared from Dubuque, Iowa, after failing to show up for Thanksgiving... ...Read More
    02/11/2024

    Other Missing Cases from Dubuque, Iowa

    Theodore Hoerstman missing person case in Dubuque, Iowa

    Theodore Hoerstman

    Missing: Dec 6, 1982
    Theodore Anthony "Ted" Hoerstman, a 45-year-old man from Dubuque, Iowa, was reported missing on ...Read More