John Knoepfle 1923 - 2019
Springfield, IL—John Knoepfle, 96, of Springfield, died at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at his home surrounded by family and his beloved wife; Peggy Knoepfle.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, celebrant.
Private family graveside will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense.
Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 3740 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62704 or Il State Museum Society, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62706-5000.
The family of John Knoepfle is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences and to view full obituary.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Knoepfle

Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center - Springfield.

5 Entries

Tina Brown

November 21, 2019

I grew up 2 houses down from the knoepfle"s. They were the nicest people.

Tina plummer

Valeri DeCastris

November 21, 2019

Oh Peg! Dave and I are SO sorry! What a loss for you, your family, Illinois and the world. All these years and we didn't even know he was a Purple Heart recipient...we didn't know he died until we read Pete Ellertson's post on Facebook. We treasure the years that we knew John through you Peg, from our times of protest in Springfield and our work on the Peace Center. We recall your hospitality as we stayed at your house after moving from Springfield. We send our deepest sympathies to you all on the loss of this wonderful man - poet, teacher, patriot, peacemaker, husband, father, mentor, Catholic. He burned so brightly and now is reading and writing poems to the universe and God. Prayers for you all. Miss you...

John Headrick

November 19, 2019

Dear Peggy and family,

I am saddened to hear of Dr. Knoepfle's passing. I had the privilege of taking a graduate level folklore class taught by John at Sangamon State University (SSU) in the 1980s. At the time, I was working toward my Masters in English.

John was an extremely gifted and imaginative poet and writer as well as an expert on folklore and customs of various societies. He was adept at observing common everyday things and describing them in ways we wish we had thought of, only he did it more succinctly, cleverly, and aptly. I learned a great deal from his class and from his guidance.

As part of an assignment for his folklore course, I was motivated to conduct oral history interviews with four former members of the Springfield Municipal Band (these are available to the public at the UIS Library). Because of John, I discovered many facts and stories about Springfield and central Illinois that I did not know.

In another graduate course at SSU on the history of religion in America, I was able to hear Dr. Knoepfle as a guest speaker read some of his poetry and discuss his writing techniques. Not only was I impressed with the beauty and insight of his work, but I was amazed at his honesty and unique view on life and nature.
It was a special treat to hear him read his own compositions and verse.

SSU was very fortunate to have such a creative force and man of letters as Dr. Knoepfle. He changed my life in many positive ways. I only wish I could have thanked him before he left us. I'll miss him.

I salute Dr. Knoepfle for his service to our country. May God bless John and your family now and always. Be of good courage and stay strong.

Rest In Peace, John, and Godspeed.

John Headrick
Springfield, IL

Sister Beth Murphy

November 19, 2019

Dear Peg, my heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Knowing John, even just a little bit, has been a great joy. Holding you in prayer,

Rosanne Wiatrolik

November 18, 2019

Dear Peggy and family,

My deep sympathy and prayers. May the angels speed him to paradise and Mother Mary comfort you in this time of great sorrow filling you with the remembrance of the joys you shared and peace in Christ Jesus.

It's been a while since we've been in the Bible class but I will always remember his thought-filled words delivered with a smile that you truly knew came from his heart. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of John and Bless his loved ones as they grieve. Rosanne Wiatrolik

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results