Dr. Charles F. Kneedler

Charles was born in Rockford, IL on April 14, 1940, son of the late Forrest and Norma (Jones) Kneedler.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Desider and Nina (Elliot) Ecker.

Surviving are his wife Katherine (Ecker) Kneedler of Louisville, whom he married on July 7, 1962; children Lori (Mark) Molitor of Oconomowoc, WI and Christopher (Pamela) Kneedler of Houston, TX; grandchildren Kylee (Kyle) Fischer, Morgan Molitor, Madison Molitor, Sterling (Haleigh) Kneedler, Forrest (Devann) Kneedler, and Lexington Kneedler; great-grandchildren Navy and Crew Fischer, Willow and Rosemary Kneedler.

After graduating from Belleville High School, Charles attended Westminster College and University of Louisville Dental School. Dr. Kneedler practiced dentistry for 53 years. He owned and operated a successful dental practice he started in Belleville in 1966 and later moved to Swansea. After selling his practice, he served 10 years as a Clinical Instructor for Lewis & Clark College of Dental Hygiene. He also served as a dentist for Illinois Mobile Dental which brought dental care services to schools for less fortunate students.

Dr. Kneedler believed that dentists should make a difference in the communities in which they practiced. He served as President/Chairman for St. Elizabeth and Belleville Memorial Dental Staff, Westside Optimist Club, St. Clair County Dental Society, and Belleville and Shiloh Greater United Way. He was a member of the Swansea Chamber of Commerce, High Mount School Board, and the District 13 St. Clair County Board member.

Charles was an avid athlete. He broke high jump and long jump records in grade school, high school, and at Westminster College. He served as co-captain and captain of his track and field and basketball teams. In 2015, he was selected to the Westminster College Athletic Hall of Fame.

A memorial service will be held from 12 – 2 at Lakeview Funeral Home and Memorial Garden at 5000 N Illinois St. in Fairview Heights, IL on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Memorials are appreciated for either Dementia Society or Parkinsons.