Knobbe, Leonard Anthony
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).
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 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.
Services: Leonard’s memorial mass will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10AM at Seven Holy Founders in Affton, MO. For the online viewing option, please visit www.foundersaffton.org/ . Donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society https://svdpstlouis.orgonate or St. Mary’s High School https://www.stmaryshs.com/.
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jul. 22, 2021.