Arthur Ralph Knaebel

Arthur Ralph Knaebel, known by loved ones as Art, was a family-centered man with an affinity for the outdoors and a deep spiritual faith. He died at the age of 89 in Kansas City, Missouri on July 13, 2022.

Born on March 23, 1933 in Cole County MO, Art fondly told stories of his childhood in rural Missouri. This upbringing led him to become a humble, hardworking man with an appreciation for the simple things in life. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Genevieve Pauline Hohm of Jefferson City, MO on October 6, 1956; a devoted marriage that lasted 65 years at the time of his death.

After graduating from Saint Peter’s High School in 1951, Art served in the Army from 1954 to 1956: Specialist 3 964th Engineering Group, during which he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the rebuilding efforts after WWII. He took these skills to his civilian career where he worked for Kansas City Parks and Recreation for 37 years, retiring in 1993. Upon retirement, he and Genny traveled to all 50 US states as well as Mexico and Canada. They often visited National Parks and State Capitals, as they both shared an appreciation for history and the outdoors.

Having a rich spiritual life, Art was a member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church for 64 years, where he and Genny enjoyed a robust sense of community and fellowship. Art also loved playing golf, was a resourceful repairman, and an experienced gardener of both indoor and outdoor varieties. He enjoyed his time fishing and camping, especially with family. Art was also an expert on the grill. When friends and family knew he was barbecuing chicken, they all wanted an invitation!

Art and Genny raised their four sons and one daughter together in Kansas City, as well as being essential in the lives of their nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who they often traveled to visit. Art will be remembered for his spirited sense of humor, his purehearted loyalty, and his unending love for his wife, Genny.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Genevieve (Hohm) Knaebel, sister Rose Dorge, sisters-in-law Dolores Kliethermes and Ann Knaebel, son John Knaebel, daughter Paula Ransom and husband William, son Mark Knaebel and wife Susan, daughter-in-law Vanessa Knaebel, and son Dennis Knaebel and wife Susan, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank Mathias and Rose (Kliethermes) Knaebel, his brothers Francis and James Knaebel, half brother Joseph Knaebel and two half sisters Helen Marie Scheppers and Agnes Hood, and son David Knaebel.

A visitation for Arthur will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 at 6pm at McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home, 11924 E. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64133. A rosary will be prayed at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am Saturday, July 23, 2022 at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 9020 E 51st Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64133. Interment to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider having a Mass said in remembrance of Art or donating to St. Bernadette's Food Pantry by texting (833) 840-3006 or visiting https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YRWJ/campaign/C-12P7T or calling (816) 356-3700.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the family.