Lawrence "Larry" Knopfel

Lawrence “Larry” Knopfel, of Lake Saint Louis, MO, passed away peacefully Friday, September 29, 2023. at the age of 87. Devoted husband of 64 years to the late Carol Knopfel; beloved son of the late Lawrence and Hazel Knopfel; cherished father of Rochelle (George) Wilson and the late David (Grace) Knopfel; loving grandfather of Ryan (Melissa) Hegger, Shawn Hegger, Josh (Brandi) Knopfel, Jake (Jennifer) Knopfel, Andy (Heather) Knopfel, Janine Moreland (James), Brian Wilson, and the late Christopher Hegger; treasured great-grandfather of 14; dedicated brother of the late Ronald Knopfel and the late Shirley McFadin, dear uncle, cousin & friend to many.  

Larry proudly served in the Unted States Air Force from 1954-1958 as an Air Intelligence Analyst, stationed at Kyushu Ashiya Air Field in Fukuoka, Japan and South Korea. His strong and dedicated work ethic is something he took pride in, earning great accomplishments throughout his career. He was an Employee of Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center from Aug. 1959-Jan. 1994, and appointed to the Senior Executive Service on September 24, 1989. Larry was also awarded the Silver Beaver Award on May 29, 2002, and the Gold Conduct Medal on June 17, 2019. Larry also dedicated much of his time participating in the St. Louis chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association, serving as a President and active member.  

Larry was a humble man. Generous with his time, knowledge and skills. He was dependable, reliable and kind. He is someone many looked up to, including his own family that he cared deeply about. Larry was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.