Ralph C. Knechel

Ralph C. Knechel, aged 99, of Hackettstown, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. He was born September 2, 1926 to the late Howard and Annie (Wiley) Knechel and made Hackettstown his lifelong home, where he and his wife, Lois Rossy Knechel, built a life anchored in community service, family and integrity.

Ralph and Lois were grade school sweethearts who celebrated 72 years of marriage. After graduating from Hackettstown High School and General Motors Institute, he and Lois raised their family in Hackettstown and were active in many civic and community efforts including Ralph serving in the United States Navy and a Veteran of WWII, past President of the Kiwanis Club and Hackettstown Area Chamber of Commerce, and a founding Board Member of Skylands Bank.

In 1960 Ralph and Lois opened the local Ford dealership, Knechel Ford, after his time working as a Salesman at the local Veys Auto Dealership. Knechel Ford became a mainstay of the town's business life and a family enterprise that employed multiple generations.

Throughout his life, Ralph was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and the genuine care he showed for neighbors, friends and strangers alike. He was deeply involved in supporting the Hackettstown Medical Center. Together with Lois and the family, he helped raise funds over the years and played a role in the establishment of the Joan Knechel Cancer Center, a tribute to loss, community and hope.

Ralph is survived by his loving daughter, Linda Bahnuk and husband Timothy, his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Scott and partner Dave, and Mark Bahnuk and wife Erikka, and his great grandchildren, Abigail Scott, and Harper and Hazel Bahnuk. Ralph is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, his dear son, Thomas Knechel and his wife Joan, his brother Howard "Bud" Knechel and his sister, Ruth Nunn.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 14 th from 3-7pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.

The funeral service will be held 11am on Wednesday, October 15 th at Cochran Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Gebhard officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery Hackettstown. All are welcome to join the family at the repast following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joan Knechel Cancer Center, c/o Hackettstown Medical Center, 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 in memory of Ralph.