John H. Knochelmann, Sr., father of Kenton County Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann, leaves a legacy that will impact many, particularly many generations of — and future — Covington Latin students.
“Mr. Knochelmann was an alumnus any school would be proud to call it’s own,” says Matthew Krebs, dean of students at Covington Latin.
Among his many community and civic engagements — he served his community as a board member of Redwood School in Ft. Mitchell, and the NKY Serra Club for vocations — Knochelmann founded the Academic Advancement Fund at his high school, Covington Latin School.
“His service and dedication to the Northern Kentucky community is an example to many Latin School graduates who have, and will, follow him,” says Krebs. “His work to establish the Academic Advancement Fund (AAF) is only one of his many legacies.
The AAF began in 1969, says Krebs, with Father Heile, Mr. Knochelmann and others, and is more than a tuition assistance program.
“It defines who we are as a school — a beacon to the best and brightest, not simply the best and brightest of those who can afford it,” says Krebs.”The AAF ensure that Latin School will continue to educate young men and women who will serve as future Christian leaders well into the future, and like Mr. Knochelmann, do it with goodness, discipline and knowledge.”
Knochelmann, age 89, of Crescent Springs, passed away on Monday, May 2nd. He was born in Covington, in 1926, where he lived and worked most of his life in the Lewisburg neighborhood of Covington.
Kris Knockelmann said his father, in spite of tragedies and challenges including the passing of his beloved wife, remained positive throughout his life.
“I look back on that now and realize that one of his greatest attributes was staying positive and never letting any challenge get him down,” said the younger Knockelmann.
He says his father lived by a Latin quote which loosely translates to ‘don’t let the bastards get you down.’
“That a quote my dad lived by. He felt himself to be extremely blessed and felt he had nothing by appreciation for all he had.”
Attending St. John’s Catholic School, he later graduated from Covington Latin School and Xavier University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Ruth Knochelmann (Moore). He was preceded in death by his first wife Melda Beatrice (Bea) Owens.
John worked at Procter & Gamble Co, worked in a consulting engineering firm in Covington, and retired in 1989 after a long career in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning business.
He was an owner of Knochelmann Plumbing, which was started by his brothers Richard and David Knochelmann.
John later sold that business to his sons and son-in-law. His sons and other family members, presently own and work in the same field at Schneller Plumbing, Heating & Air.
John was a loving father, survived by his nine children: Mary Kay Walker (Mike); Julie Bowen (Ric); Lisa Connor(Mark); Karen Gamel (Thomas); John Snowden (Barb); Carl Snowden (Stella); John Knochelmann Jr (Rhonda); Pete Knochelmann (Leslie); and Kris Knochelmann (Lisa), as well as 34 grandchildren, 15 greatgrand-children. Four others are expected.
As the patriarch of his family, he put high value on faith, education, hard work, duty to country, and commitment to community. He was the second of nine children of Carl and Marie Knochelmann.
He is survived by siblings Martha Bezold (Gene); Sr. Lea Marie Knochelmann S.N.D.; Rose Ann Lankisch (Paul); Ed Knochelmann (Lois); and David Knochelmann (Ginny). He was preceded in death by siblings Carl E. Knochelmann (Rose); Joan Means (Harry); and Richard Knochelmann (Louise).
John and Pat enjoyed traveling and spent a period living in central Florida before returning home where all of their children reside. He enjoyed reading and staying up on current events while enjoying his large family. John was a U.S. Navy veteran where he served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Second Class.
He also served his industry as local President of the NKY Master Plumber’s Association, as well as on the State Plumbing Contractors Association.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday May 7 at St. Joseph Church, Crescent Springs with visitation before the mass from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m.at the church.
Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery-Ft. Mitchell on Monday May 9 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covington Latin School for tuition assistance. (21 E. 11th St., Covington, KY 41011).