Francis William Knaebel

Francis William Knaebel, 87, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016, at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital. He was the first born of the late Frank and Rose (Kliethermes) Knaebel in Jefferson City, Missouri on March 18, 1929. Francis served in the 15th Medic Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. He was united in marriage on November 6, 1954, to Anna Marsaleis Dorge. They were soon to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary. Francis worked on the farm and was a member of the Laborers Union Local 662 working for various contractors retiring from Taos Construction in 1992. Having five sons, he was known as a professional fixer of just about everything. Whenever Francis had a chance, you could find him with a fishing pole in his hands. He enjoyed gardening, raising cattle, mushroom and arrowhead hunting, and being outdoors. He had a contagious grin and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Knights of Columbus Council 6430, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693, American Legion Post 5, Elks Lodge #513, and was a 4-H Leader for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, Anna Knaebel; six children, Betty (Roger) Pringer, Centertown; Steven (Jane) Knaebel, Alban Knaebel and special friend Joann Rosenberg, Jefferson City; Mike (Lori) Knaebel, Wardsville; Dan (Mary) Knaebel, Westphalia; Tim (Suzanne) Knaebel, Osage Bend; 14 grandchildren, Gail (Marvin) Dagg, Glenn Knaebel, Garrett Knaebel; Willi (Sara) Pringer; Shannon (Mike) Dippold; Jenna (Adam) Schwaller; Mikayla and Morgan Knaebel, Adam, Emily, Jacob Knaebel; Abigayle (Cody) Goeller; Austin and Angela Knaebel; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rose (George) Dorge, Jefferson City; and two brothers, James (Annamarie) Knaebel, Jefferson City; and Arthur (Genevieve) Knaebel, Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his parents; one half-brother, Joseph Knaebel; two half-sisters, Helen Marie Scheppers and Agnes Ann Hood. Visitation will be 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos. Mass of Christian Burial will be Noon Saturday, October 29, 2016, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with the Rev. Pat Adejoh officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201; American Parkinson Disease Association, 1415 Elbridge Payne Road, Suite 150, Chesterfield, MO 63017; or to a charity of the donor's choice. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.