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JOHN KNOERNSCHILD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN KNOERNSCHILD
Sean Farley
January 23, 2025
I remember him as an outstanding counselor in High School in the 90s at Crespi. He must have written 15 to 20 recommendations for different colleges for me. I got into almost every one of them I applied to. I don't know what he wrote but it must have been great. I remember him saying not another one. But I kept them coming and he wrote them all. He was an A+ in the counselor department, at least for me. Sayonara Father John and thanks for getting me into college
Patricia Brown
November 10, 2021
WHEN I WAS IN SLOVAKIA IN THE PEACE CORPS, FR. JOHN WAS IN VIENNA, AN HOUR AWAY, FOR A TALK HE WAS GIVING. HE TOOK THE TRAIN TO SEE ME AND SPEND A DAY. I SHOWED HIM ALL OVER BRATISLAVA WHERE I WAS LIVING, AND WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. HE WAS A GOOD COMPANION AND FRIEND, AND I MISS SEEING HIM NOW. (Patricia Brown).
Patricia Brown
November 10, 2019
John was a dear friend and colleague who always gave generously of his time and attention. May he rest in peace.
john rutter
December 9, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tim Dunn
December 1, 2010
May God welcome you into his Kingdom Fr. John. You were a great friend and a wonderful principal at Crespi.
marianna watkins
November 30, 2010
Father John ,I knew you for such a short time but I'll always remember you and I'll ask you to pray for me. love Marianna (Tom's sister)
Rich D'Alessio
November 24, 2010
Fr. John was instrumental in "green-lighting" the wrestling program at Crespi in the late 80's. That program, in large part, got me into UC Davis where I wrestled for 4 years and graduated. Did you all realize that this gentle man would often show up at practice and mix it up with guys like me who out-weighed him by 30 pounds? His proactive nature, matching good deeds with energy, created a life changing event for me and I'm sure many others. Thank you Father John.
Donald Pope
November 20, 2010
Fr. John, my Friend you will be greatly miss by all who really knew you
Charlie Smith
November 20, 2010
Fr. John, I will always be grateful for your presence and the words of encouragement that you offered to my family. Our prayers are with your family.
Charlie Smith
Dennis and Mary (Goebel) Hoffman
November 20, 2010
Father John,
Our families have know each other forever. Such happy memories.
We were honored to have you as a Celebrant at our wedding back in 1970, just a month after you were ordained.
Jim & Becky Hiss
November 20, 2010
Fellow Crusader! "Our hymn of praise we sing", memories of Mt. Carmel, especially the week of camping together at La Costa at the end of our senior summer, dreams of young men, the spirituality and accomplishment of your ordination and yet this was the last time we saw one another. Yet always connected by notes and experiences as high school friends, educators, teachers, and principals. I always thought we would see each other again. Now I will look skyward. On the shore of Clear Lake a rose has been planted for you, Father John, in memory of your faith, friendship, and life's work. God speed.
Jack and Jeanne Gaffney
November 19, 2010
Thank you Fr. John for making gentlemen of our sons. We'll remember your efforts to keep Crespi and Louisville brother/sister schools and the fun times we had with the Caper home parties. May the angels come to greet you as you enter your new home.
Mark Gaffney
November 19, 2010
Father JK what a blessing you have been to me and my family. Every Religious Education Congress I attended you, I and my mother would sit together for the masses and catch up on old times or see eachother at a workshop and we would sit together. I remember how proud you were when I told you about the ministries I was involved in with my parish (Blessed Junipero Serra, Camarillo - Padre Serra) and your first comment was "at least someone has kept the faith". It was good to see & talk you at Our Lady of The Angels Cathedral for the 50th Anniversary Mass for Crespi High School and you remembered what parish I belonged to and again you were so proud. Thank you for helping me "keep the faith".
Kathy Hansell
November 19, 2010
Father John, you made our years at Crespi ('77-'88) so memorable. Your sense of humor was infectious! Thank you for being our friend......we will miss you.
Kathy Hansell and Family
Mary Whitmer
November 19, 2010
I met Fr. John when Joe Broderick died here in Joliet. He was great friends with my cousin Dan flavin. Fr. John was a very kind and spiritual man. I will continue to pray for him and his family.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Sallie Dunneboil Rodman
November 19, 2010
i went to grammar school with John at St. John the Evangelist School in Los Angeles. He was a fun kid and I also saw him several years ago at our 50th grammar school reunion. We talked and he was still the same sweet guy. Rest in peace, John.
Mark Bennett
November 19, 2010
Even after all these years since my time at Crespi, Fr. John stands out as one of the most important people in my life. I appreciated his leadership, but more importantly, his friendship and the way he genuinely cared about people. Fr. John, while you will be sorely missed, I take comfort in knowing that you are finally home. Please pray for us!
Kieron Miller
November 19, 2010
Father John, I will never forget how you helped me with the college search process my senior year at Crespi. I am sorry that we lost touch over the years, but have many fond memories of our time together. Thanks for your guidance and support during my most formative years. You will be truly missed.
Paul Savoie
November 19, 2010
John K has been an inspiration and infinite source of love to me since I first came to Crespi Carmelite High School as a fearful, shy freshman in 1978. Words cannot adequately describe the impact that he had on me as I grew intellectually, spiritually, and lovingly.
In my post-Crespi years, Fr. John worked persistently and lovingly to have me join the Carmelites as a priest. While he wasn't ultimately successful in this specific endeavor, he was incredibly successful in recruiting me into a broader priesthood of universal, unconditional love that I joyfully participate in every day of my life.
As he makes his transition from this life into the next dimension of love, I know that:
The light of God surrounds him
The love of God enfolds him
The power of God protects him
And the presence of God watches over him
Wherever he is, God is, and all is well
Amen
Thomas Lieb
November 19, 2010
Dear Fr. John,
I have known you forever. since we were young children. Please pray for us that remain behind.
Tom Lieb
Jim Brehove
November 18, 2010
Fr. John will always be synonomous with Crespi for me. He was principal when I was there from 1977 to 1981. He had a comforting presence. The last time I saw him was when he came to our 20th reunion in 2001. He will be in my prayers. Jim Brehove
Patricia Brown
November 18, 2010
My daughter and I will always treasure our friendship over the past thirty-six years with Fr. John at Crespi, at our home, and in Europe. He was a true gentleman and a loyal friend. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Patricia Brown
Sr. Angela Faustina
November 18, 2010
Dear Mary.
I remember John as a gentle and dedicated priest. Please know of my prayers during this time of great loss. Angela Faustina, CSJ
Bob Ponec
November 18, 2010
Fr. John. We will always remember and love you so much. I wish that I could have told you, one more time, face to face how much you mean to me, to my family, and to Crespi. Now, I will simply look up and tell you because I know where you are. You were our principal, my friend. You married me to my wife Lori and baptised my child Steven when he was critically ill after his premature birth. The nurses still say that the first time he opened his eyes was the moment your thumb touched his forehead. Lori, Steven, Andrew, and I want to say again to you and to your family how much we love you and what better people we have become because of your love and guidance. Love always, Bob Ponec
Susie Hughes (Opiola)
November 17, 2010
You will be forever in my families hearts. I know you weren't able to make my wedding in person but I know you were there in spirit. May God be able to cherish you now.
November 17, 2010
Fr. Johm,You were always so personable to our three boys at Crespi High.We will treasure your friendship always.
Hope the waves in Heaven are as good as So. Cal.
Love & prayers, Sue & Kevin Connolly & family, San Clemente, Ca.
Rich & Charlene Opiola and family
November 17, 2010
Fr.John's and our family's friendship began in 1995 when he was our son Anthony's counselor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel H.S. in Chicago, Il. Even though his and our lives took us to different states, he always managed to stay in touch. We wish he could have been with us and our family at our daughter Susie's wedding on October 8th like we had planned, but are grateful that we were able to be with him one last time at St. Patrick's before we left to drive back home to Texas.
Our condolences to his Mom and siblings whom he loved very much and talked about often. We have been blessed to hnow and love Fr. John.
Marianne
November 16, 2010
Fr. John, even though you have been called home much to soon, you are ever present in the hearts and minds of everyone at the Shrine. The bells and the banner at the Shrine are a constant reminder of the wonderful work you did at the Shrine. What a wonderful gift you have given us to have you present every day. The story you told about your father missing the boat at Pearl Harbor will also live in our hearts because on that day we were given the great gift of you by your father being saved. Look down upon us, Fr. John. You will see that we are smiling everytime we hear the bells. God Bless You!!!
Jerry & Mary Lee Mulvihill
November 16, 2010
Fr. John, you have been our strength and support since you first came into our lives in 1971 when we lost our son, Kevin in a tragic accident at Joliet Catholic High School. Thank you for introducing us to your family and friends at your 25th. Jubilee celebration in California. Thank you for sharing with us the wonderful experiences and vacations you so enjoyed with your mom. You have been in our prayers for years and will remain there. We know God has welcomed you into his loving arms. You will be missed in our lives.
Jerry & Mary Lee Mulvihill
November 16, 2010
Fr. John was one of two priests who helped me keep my Catholic faith. As my principal at Crespi, even though it was a Catholic high school, my desire to remain Catholic was decreasing. He showed me how to be a good Catholic man and be of service to those who need service. My prayers are for you and my family. Greg Badovinac (Crespi 1980).
November 16, 2010
Father John you will never be forgotten. Everyday we all feel your presence with the sound of the bells and the banner outside. You worked so hard to get this accomplished. I am so glad you will get to see your Dad. You told a wonderful story about him. Thank God he missed the boat that day and gave us the gift of you.
You ae now in heaven. Perhaps too soon for all of us here, but we know that you are now safely home.
Marianne
Robert Goebel
November 16, 2010
Thank You John for the many wonderful childhood memories.
November 16, 2010
Fr. John, your story about your Dad at Pearl Harbor I will never forget..God made you a GREAT Priest, Thank you always for what you have given me, John McMahon
Jim Peltzer
November 16, 2010
Fr. John, you will be missed. Even though high school is a distant memory, I still remember and miss our every morning chats about anything and everything. You were one of the best and will be missed. May Our Lady watch over your family, and guide you safely to the Lord. You will be missed by everyone who you came into contact with. God Bless.
Jim Peltzer
Mt. Carmel Class of 2002
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