Richard Knaebel Obituary

Richard Lee "Rich" Knaebel, 76, of Huntsville died at home Tuesday March 17, 2026. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected businessman, veteran, outdoorsman, and generous member of his community. Rich was born April 1, 1949 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Joe Sr and Hildegard Knaebel.

He graduated from Moberly High School in 1967 and attended Moberly Area Community College. In February of 1969, Rich was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. From July 1970 to July 1971, he served in Vietnam with the renowned "Hell on Wheels" unit. His time in service reflected the same sense of duty and strength of character that defined the rest of his life.

On January 30, 1976, Rich married the love of his life, Mary Barbara Hays, in Miami, Oklahoma. Their marriage was one of deep partnership, shared adventure, and unwavering support for one another through every season of life.

Rich's work ethic began early. While in high school, he held a variety of jobs including working as a gas station attendant, picking tobacco, and helping with farm work. After returning home from the war in 1971, Rich joined the family business, Mid-Am Building Supply. For the next 55 years, he played an integral role in the growth and success of the company, working in nearly every aspect of the business.

What Rich valued most were the relationships he built along the way. Employees and customers became lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie of special events, open houses, sales meetings, and traveling to visit customers and business locations. The business was not simply work to him; it was a community of people he genuinely cared about.

Outside of work, Rich embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He and Barb loved to travel, exploring destinations across the United States and around the world. Through these travels they met new people, experienced different cultures, and created countless memories together.

Rich also had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether elk hunting, fishing, moose hunting, shooting ducks and doves, or even hunting parakeets in Argentina, he relished the adventure and challenge of the hunt. When his grandchildren were born, one of his greatest joys was passing down these traditions. He eagerly waited until they were just old enough to join him fishing, hunting, golfing, and shooting sporting clays. When the shells ran out, Rich would simply toss clay pigeons into the air for the kids to catch in their hats.

Rich was a skilled woodworker and found great satisfaction in crafting pieces by hand. His signature creation was a beautifully made chopping block, though he also built many step stools, rocking horses, birdhouses, and other special pieces for family and friends. Each project carried the same care and generosity that marked his life.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Christos Center, and he was a faithful member of St. Pius Catholic Church. Rich lived his faith through quiet service, generosity, and a willingness to help others whenever he could.

Above all, Rich was devoted to his family. He took great pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather, and the time he spent with them was the most meaningful part of his life.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Barb; his daughter, Megan and her husband Drew Freitag; his grandchildren, Adam, David, and Lucas Goessling, and Riley Freitag; his siblings Mary Ann & Eric Chavis, Chris & Bob Haik, Joe & Mary Knaebel, Lilly & Dave Elliott, Betty & Mel Sundermeyer, Alan & Pam Knaebel, in-laws Dan and Carol Hays; and many other cherished family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sr. and Hildegard Knaebel, and his in-laws, Lamar and Mary Louise Hays.

Rich will be remembered for his generosity, steady character, and love of family. You knew you were loved if you were a victim of a Rich Knaebel prank. Nothing was off limits from suspicious packages in the mail, farm animals, billboards, and even newspaper ads. No one was safe!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Food Bank or to The Glioblastoma Foundation.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held at the St. Pius X Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Rich's life was at the St. Pius X Catholic Church, followed by committal prayer, Military Honors and burial at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville.