Thomas “Tom” Joseph Knese, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021 after a brief illness.
Tom was born on June 27, 1942, to the late Ralph and Viola (Yates) Knese.
He was a devoted husband to Mercedes (Eiler) Knese for 56 years, and was a proud father to Thomas (Stacey) Knese, Christopher (Laura) Knese, Erica Knese Axelbaum (Michael Vachow), Leonard (Susanne) Knese, and Albert (Colleen) Knese.
Tom was the adoring Grandfather, “Poppy,” to twelve grandchildren: Anthony, Daniel, Samuel, Lauren, Drew, Courtney, Sophia, Emma, Isabella, Chloe, Cade, and Audrey.
He was a loving brother to Margaret Siemons (the late David Siemons) and the late Ralph (Jane) Knese.
Tom was a fun-loving brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Queen of All Saints – St. Vincent de Paul Society, 6603 Christopher Dr., St. Louis, MO 63129.
Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Friday November 19, 4-9 pm, then Saturday November 20, 9:15 am to Queen of All Saints Church for 10:00 am Mass. Service concludes at church.
Tom is a great man. His affinity for assisting the less fortunate through his avocation with the Society of St Vincent DePaul at Queen of All Saints as well as his work with the regional organization of SSVDP was tirelessly executed. Tom delighted in describing his children and grandchildren’s various activities and he and Merce were overjoyed to watch them grow and prosper. In more recent years, his active participation in the St Louis Sluggers – Disaster Recovery Team afforded those at places like New Orleans following hurricane Katrina and at Joplin following the tornado hit there his efforts toward rebuilding the infrastructure of their lives. Tom was a pillar of the Church, a fellow Brother Knight of Columbus and a terrific guy. He is already sorely missed. May he rest in peace and Merce and all the family be comforted.
Tom and Dan, my deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad and Poppy. Praying for peace for you and your family.
A great person and neighbor, always there if needed.
Tom was a true champion of the poor. He was our friend. He was president of the Queen of All Saints Variety Guild and later, up until the time of his death, was President of the Queen of All Saints conference for the Society of Vincent de Paul. He will be missed by many.
What a great person and friend.I worked with this dear man for 35 years a true example of a great employee special person and all around person. I know he will truly missed by all who knew him. Dear Thomas may you Rest in Peace. There will never be another one like him. He taught many people his different knowledge of hard work ethic and the live for his family children and job A true inspiration to all
Tom was the best friend to us and a role model to all who knew him. As President of the Queen of All Saints St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Tom made many sacrifices to help those in need when he was called upon. He was a a true leader and could always find the good in every person he came in contact with. He was an absolutely wonderful husband, father, and fun loving grandfather (aka Poppy). We have so many special memories of our times together and we will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace Tom, you deserve your eternal rest. We will take care of Merce.
My deepest sympathy to Merce and your beautiful family. Tom was such a wonderful man. I worked with him at Nazareth and he just adored the sisters and could not do enough for them. I am also aware of his great work with SVDP. May he rest in the loving arms of God
Tom’s dedication to others and joy for life was infectious. His presence and impact in our community will be missed.
The staff and clients at Peter & Paul Community Services will miss Tom’s joyful smile and gracious heart. He was the epitome of a loyal & faithful servant.
I was truly blessed to know Tom. I believe that everyone who met him felt the same way. A true example of living the life of Jesus Christ by his service to the poor. Proverbs 19:17 states “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he (God) will repay him for his deed.” Tom’s repayment is surely great. I will miss him and his kind words and words of encouragement. A true living example to me of how to live my life.
I have a heavy heart. Tom was a dear and wonderful man. He was so good to the Sisters at Nazareth. He was generous, gentle and so kind to all he met. Such an example for all of us to live a life of giving and love.
To the entire Knese family – We are sending our condolences to you all. We grew up knowing Tom, as he and our mother worked together for decades at Nazareth. Not only were they coworkers, they were friends. We will remember Tom as a fun loving guy who always made us laugh, a loyal friend and a proud husband, father and Poppy. Big hugs to Merce!
Thomas truly one of God’s special angels we will miss him dearly I had the opportunity to know him I got to work with him for 30 years and I know he will be missed by all he made a very special impression on my life and my families there’s just so much to say about him and the wonderful things he doneHe will truly be missed I know he left a very special spot in my heart and my families and wish that we sent a very special thought to his family and that and all our love may you rest in peace love you Tom
Harold and I met Tom and Merce when QAS was founded. Our kids took ceramic
lessons at their home. It is a pleasure to have known them. May God bless Tom, Merce
and their family.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Knese Family. We have made a donation to Queen of All Saints – St. Vincent de Paul Society in your honor. Many blessing and comfort to your family.
Staff at Samsung HVAC Roanoke Texas and nationwide.
so sorry for your loss great man loved donut Friday
Poppy was the best grandpa I could have ever asked for. He was my best friend and I will always love him forever. I had lots of great memories with him and I won’t forget one single one. He was and will always be the best. I love him with all my heart and I’m just glad he doesn’t have to feel anymore pain. He will be missed by a lot and especially me. I’m happy I get to be his granddaughter and I’ll always be his little Doll.
Mercedes’ and family.
We just heard about Toms passing .
We were sorry to hear he passed .
We both enjoyed talking with him.
He had a great sense of humor.
I enjoyed working with him at DRJ conferences. Very kind and generous person. Blessings to the family
Sincerely. Tom & Dee Beebe
Whiting New Jersey
I moved away from Queen of All Saints four years ago and just learned of Tom’s death. He was such a caring, giving, energetic man…always there, a leader…so full of life. My sincerest sympathy to his family and many friends. Be in God’s loving care, Tom.