Richard J. Knopke

Richard “Dick” J. Knopke, 78, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on April 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born in 1944 in KCMO to proud parents Julian Joseph and Anna Louise Knopke. After graduating with an accounting degree from Regis University, he married Eleanora Jane Viser Knopke on July 22, 1967, in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. They were together for 56 memorable years before his passing.

Richard was an active national leader in the distribution industry, being a past president of the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the National Association of Wholesalers (NAW), and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). Furthermore, during his retirement and working in unison with Fr. Norman Rotert and the Visitation Catholic Community, Richard helped spearhead the church renovation project at the turn of the 21st century. Completed in 2004, the remodel still provides a visually stunning and spiritually enlightening backdrop to its parishioners and the surrounding midtown neighborhoods.

Richard is preceded in death by his loving parents (Julian, 1998; Anne, 2017) and survived by his brothers David (Jan) and Don (Kathy); sons Jeffrey (Jackie), Benjamin (Diane), and Jonathan (Melanie); daughter Julie (John); as well as ten grandchildren: Emma (Joe), Lukas, Henry, Kate, Maria, Jordyn, Josephine, Nora, Julian, and Vivienne. Richard was an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather, leaving a lasting imprint of distinction that will remain in the family for many generations. His life, and the impact he had on others, will be greatly missed by all.

There will be a welcome reception at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m., on April 21, 2023 at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main St., KCMO 64112. Per Richard’s wishes, he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mount Olivet Cemetery.