He is survived by his beloved children Ann Knobbe (Cary Bolling), Patrice (Bob) Walsh, Kathy (Andy) Connor, Alice (Bill) Lampe, Paula (late Scott) Erbs, Robert (Georgia), Daniel, and Matthew; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren in 10 states; sister Lois Ann (late Gene) Feicht, sister-in-laws Pat (late Kenneth) Knobbe and Joyce (late Vernon) Knobbe. He was preceded in death by Helen, his beloved wife of 67 years, sister Jacqueline (late Tom) Beckerle, brothers Kenneth and Vernon; and grandson Donovan Walsh. He was loved and admired by many nieces and nephews.Leonard Anthony, 94, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2021 in his home. He was born in St. Louis to the late Anthony and Anna (Ahrens) Knobbe. He attended St. Pius V Grade School, graduated from South Side Catholic High School (St. Mary’s) in 1944 and St. Louis University Business School in 1950. He married Helen Marie Robert in 1952 at St. Pius V Catholic Church. All of his eight children attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grade School, where they had continuous enrollment spanning 28 years. Thereafter, he and Helen became long-term parishioners at Seven Holy Founders (SHF).
Leonard served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific. A highlight as a veteran was participating in the Honor Flight Program to Washington DC. As a young adult, Len was active in the Boy Scouts of America achieving the rank of Eagle Scout along with 3 Palms. He remained active serving as a Scoutmaster and mentoring his three sons and other scouts to the rank of Eagle. He became a successful businessman selling insurance for 60 years along with building and running L.K. Car Wash in south St. Louis.
He was a man on the move-enjoying handball, tennis, swimming, sailing and traveling. He spent many years sailing the “Double Eagle” on Carlyle Lake with his family, friends and the “Wednesday Navy” crewmates. His competitive spirit fueled him to win many Senior Olympic medals that he proudly displayed.
Len had a lifelong calling to serve others and volunteered in many different capacities. He delivered food to the needy through the St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 25 years and was a Eucharistic minister at SHF, St. Anthony’s Hospital and Laclede Groves retirement community. He outwardly lived his strong faith, which was evident to all who knew him. He was enriched by 66 retreats he attended at The White House Retreat Center.
Above all, Len cherished his wife, children and all his family, and looked forward to the Knobbe Family Reunions, every other summer, helping build strong bonds within the family.
Service: Leonard’s memorial mass will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Seven Holy Founders in Affton, MO. For the online viewing option, please visit www.foundersaffton.org/ . Donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society https://svdpstlouis.org/donate or St. Mary’s High School https://www.stmaryshs.com/.
His obituary tells much of the man, but to know him was even more telling. He was an inspiration to so many, myself certainly included. I am most grateful for his presence in my life. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed!
My sympathies to his family and his many, many friends, not the least of which were the clients he served through the St Vincent de Paul Society.
His obituary tells much of the man, but to know him was even more telling. He was an inspiration to so many, myself certainly included. I am most grateful for his presence in my life. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed!
My sympathies to his family and his many, many friends, not the least of which were the clients he served through the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Alice and I worked with Len at St. Francis de Sales with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Len was a super positive man who loved a good joke and enjoyed being with people. We enjoyed how he really cared for the poor and would take extra time to talk with them and make them feel wanted and cared for. He will be missed but not forgotten. Prayers for the family.
Alice and I worked with Len at St. Francis de Sales with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Len was a super positive man who loved a good joke and enjoyed being with people. We enjoyed how he really cared for the poor and would take extra time to talk with them and make them feel wanted and cared for. He will be missed but not forgotten. Prayers for the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family of my cousin, Leonard Knobbe
My deepest sympathy to the family of my cousin, Leonard Knobbe
We feel so honored to have known this wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy to all the Knobbe family. From Michelle,(ERBS) Michael, Meghan, Kathleen and Claire Sullivan
We feel so honored to have known this wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy to all the Knobbe family. From Michelle,(ERBS) Michael, Meghan, Kathleen and Claire Sullivan
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Knobbe family over Len’s passing. He and Helen were wonderful people and a true couple. We know that you will miss them and we will too.
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Our deepest sympathies to the entire Knobbe family over Len’s passing. He and Helen were wonderful people and a true couple. We know that you will miss them and we will too.
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our deepest sympathy to the Knobbe Family.He will be missed, He was god father to Karen (Knobbe) Wittich in 1947
our deepest sympathy to the Knobbe Family.He will be missed, He was god father to Karen (Knobbe) Wittich in 1947
We were so sad to hear of Len’s passing. He and your Mom were great neighbors to us on Stonell always friendly and willing to lend a tool if you didn’t have one. Always admired his 6am walks through subdivisions reciting the rosary for us working stiffs. After they moved to Laclede Groves, we’d see your Dad from time to time at grocery store and different places and would be greeted with a cheerful hello & have to chat a bit. No doubt he will be missed but take comfort that he is reunited with his beloved Helen in heaven. God bless the entire Knobbe family!
Dan & Rosie Lewandowski
We were so sad to hear of Len’s passing. He and your Mom were great neighbors to us on Stonell always friendly and willing to lend a tool if you didn’t have one. Always admired his 6am walks through subdivisions reciting the rosary for us working stiffs. After they moved to Laclede Groves, we’d see your Dad from time to time at grocery store and different places and would be greeted with a cheerful hello & have to chat a bit. No doubt he will be missed but take comfort that he is reunited with his beloved Helen in heaven. God bless the entire Knobbe family!
Dan & Rosie Lewandowski