Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Leo Knoblauch Obituary
Leo C. Knoblauch, 102, life-long volunteer and past president and board chair of the former Knoblauch Bank, died Aug. 3, 2011.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Tobias and Jennie (Hyman) Knob-lauch. A proud 1929 grad of Reading High, where he served until the present as an Alumni Board Director, he also graduated from Albright College, and in recent past, received their Distinguished Alumnus Award. His post graduate work was completed at the Temple Univ. Law and Penn State Engineering schools.
From his youth until the '70s, he worked in his parents' business: a private bank, foreign exchange and realty, travel and insurance agencies. He continued into his 90s at the private bank.
During World War ll, he served in the "Air Technical Service Command," a branch of the Intelligence Department in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Married to Mathilde C. Lichtenstein (deceased 1977), they enjoyed a life that stressed volunteering in the community he loved. Mr. Knoblauch said he felt blessed to be able to help others: "God puts us in a Garden of Eden and gives us certain abilities. I don't take that for granted." He served as president of the local organizations of Lions, Kiwanis, B'nai B'rith, Human Relations Council, Berks Muscular Dystrophy Association (which he founded), Berks Counseling Center, Mens' Org. of Temple Oheb Sho-lom and the B'nai B'rith Senior Apartments, which he helped found and build. He also was a founder of Threshold of Berks County.
Mr. Knoblauch helped establish the Reading Crime Watch, served as First Chair for the Reading Police Commission and conducted the initial classes for our city and railroad police in his position of board director of the Berks County Mental Health Association. He said, "I believe the basic premise of civilization is the consideration of others". He practiced what he believed.
He is survived by a sister, Ruth H.K. Numkin, Silver Spring, Md.; a son, Preston I. Knoblauch, Rockville, Md.; a daughter, Eileen Knoblauch-Wagner, and son-in-law, Fred M. Wagner, both of Wyomissing Hills.
Other survivors include many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and one new great-grand-niece.
Services will be today at noon at the Kesher Zion Synagogue, 1245 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19602, with Rabbi Minna Brom-berg officiating. Burial will be in Kesher Zion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kesher Zion Synagogue at above address.
Shiva will be observed in the home of Fred and Eileen Knoblauch Wagner, 66 Park Rd., Wyomissing Hills, PA 19609, this Sunday through Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.
Henninger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.henningerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leo Knoblauch
Jacki Perez
August 9, 2011
I met Mr. Leo while I was an employee where he resided. I had a great pleasure meeting him & was a great person. I remember him saying god bless you everytime I said hi and would check on him. He was a smart,intelligent,a sense of humor that would brighten anybodys day. even fho I no longer work at the place I still asked how he was doing.he will be missed n im am honored n feel happy I have met him. My condolences to his family. I will keep in mind the question I asked him once "Leo give me the remedy how you can maintain yr age of 102 n you are still strong. His response was "do not stress you live longer,stress kills you. I will always remember that. May god bless his family and I know he is in heaven now and he is now an angel.
Sharon Dorsey
August 7, 2011
To all of Leo's family and friends: I still think fondly of his voicemail, instructing callers to leave word on his "telly-phone":) We had many lovely years together on Berks Co. MDA; his joy and enthusiasm were, indeed, contagious. Thanks for sharing Leo with the rest of the world - the mold has been broken with his passing.
Ron Rinck
August 7, 2011
Preston, my condolences. He led a great life. I shared many moments with Leo over almost 50 years being granted his wisdom. And his introduction of you to me gave us some good memories.
Michael J Mescavage
August 6, 2011
I cannot say, and I will not say that he is dead, He is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very air it needs must be, since he lingers there, and you-oh you, who the wildest yearn for the old-time step and the glad return.
Think of him faring on, as dear in the love of there as the love of here.
Think of him still as the same, I say, He is not dead—he is just away.
( James Riley )
Officers and Members
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
Chapter 190 Lehigh Valley
Michael J. Mescavage, Commander
Michael Mescavage
August 6, 2011
I cannot say, and I will not say that he is dead, He is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very air it needs must be, since he lingers there, and you-oh you, who the wildest yearn for the old-time step and the glad return.
Think of him faring on, as dear in the love of there as the love of here.
Think of him still as the same, I say, He is not dead—he is just away.
( James Riley )
Officers and Members
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
Chapter 190 Lehigh Valley
Michael J. Mescavage, Commander
jra
August 6, 2011
i didn't know this man but i wish i had...wow did so many good and interesting things ..my condolences are with your family ...
may he rest in peace
August 5, 2011
Eileen, Preston and Fred, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. He was truly a man to be proud of and I know you will have many fond memories.
Janis
August 5, 2011
Our condolences to Eileen and family. Leo had a long and full life. He was a true gentleman and have some fond memories of nice conversations with him over the years.
Jack and Judy Schnee
Sue Bauman
August 5, 2011
This was a life well-lived and a fine example for others to try to do the same. Well done Mr. Knoblauch!
Marlene Roth(Sugarman)
August 5, 2011
Eileen- my condolences on the death of your father.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Leo Knoblauch's name
Memorial Events
for Leo Knoblauch
How to support Leo's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Leo Knoblauch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
