John M. Knipfel, 85, of rural Montgomery City, MO, died on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at the St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis, MO.

John Milton Knipfel was born July 15, 1932 in Laddonia, MO, to Herbert Clayton Knipfel and Norine Elizabeth Clark Knipfel. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force serving from January 19, 1952 until January 18, 1956. Mr. Knipfel married Mary Evalena Whalen on November 21, 1959 in Columbia, MO. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2017. He retired from Cleeton's TV Shop working as a Radio and TV Tech. He enjoyed watching Westerns; fishing; hunting; woodworking; was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan; and faithfully attended all his grandchildren's sporting events. He loved being with his family and friends.

Mr. Knipfel is survived by his children: Karla Uthlaut and husband, Mark, of Montgomery City, MO; Kevin Knipfel and wife, Lisa, of Jonesburg, MO; and Stephanie Ann Howes of Ashford Kent, England; and four grandchildren: Chad Werner and wife, Cheri and their son, Odin, of Columbia, MO; Stephanie Werner and her daughter, Kaydence, of St. Charles, MO; Ryan Knipfel of Kansas City, MO; and Kayla Knipfel of Springfield, MO. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Knipfel was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Clayton Knipfel and Norine Elizabeth Clark Knipfel; his wife, Mary Evalena Whalen Knipfel; brother, Herbert Knipfel; and sister, Anna Louise Herlinger.

Funeral services were held at 4:30 PM on Friday, March 30, 2018 at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Interment with full military honors was in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday from 2:00 PM until 4:30 PM at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Greg Hendricks, Lyle Knipfel, J. C. Miller, Dustin Knipfel, Ryan Knipfel, and Jerry Knipfel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery County Senior Center, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.