Melvin Leo Kneer

Melvin L. Kneer, age 91, of Evansville, went to his eternal rest on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at University Healthcare. Mel was born November 20, 1927 in Evansville to the late Otto C. and Pauline (Pohl) Kneer. He was the grandson of Jacob Kneer, who had migrated to the United States from Germany in March of 1884. Mel graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School, Memorial High School and the University of Evansville. He worked as a salesman for Ohio Valley Hardware for 38 years, serving in Kentucky for over 30 years. Mel was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. As an active member of the church, Mel served the parish in many capacities and performed a variety of helpful duties over the years. He was a very active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Sacred Heart and served as the president. He was the first recipient of the Mother Theresa Award at Sacred Heart. This award is given to the person who best exemplifies the spirit of Mother Theresa in service to others. Mel was also a 1996 recipient of the Brute Award from the Diocese of Evansville. He was a life member of VFW Post 1114, American Legion Funkhouser Post 8, Korean War Veterans Association and a Kentucky Colonel. Mel loved God, country, church, family and all of God’s creation. Mel was drafted into the United States Army in 1950. He served his country for two years during the Korean War, serving eighteen months in Japan and Korea with the 40th Infantry Division, 578th Combat Engineers Battalion. In recognition of his service, Cpl. Kneer, a switchboard operator, was one of the three soldiers in his battalion to receive the United States Army Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant for meritorious service during tactical movements with his battalion. The award was presented while his unit was still in the field with the combat engineers. Mel would like to express both appreciation and devotion to his heroes and mentors. To his mother, Pauline for her love; to his father, Otto for providing for the family; to Fr. Eugene Dewig, for his lessons of theology and common sense; to the Blessed Virgin Mary, for her protection of his physical body; St. Vincent de Paul, for his inspiration, as Mel helped the poor and needy; Louie Miller, for his friendship and fellowship; his brother Bernard, for his help with salesmanship; Mary Rose, for teaching his nursing skills; Lillian, for an understanding of perseverance; Martha for the gift of understanding and his brother Charles for his lessons of patience and trust. Surviving Mel are a sister, Martha Loehrlein; a brother, Charles Kneer and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard Kneer and by sisters, Mary Rose Brown and Lillian Schaeffer. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rev. John Brosmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, where the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military rites. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 7:00 PM on Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service conducted by the church at 4:00 PM. Friends may also visit with the family from 9:30 AM until service time on Saturday at Sacred Heart Church, 2701 W. Franklin Street. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 809 N. Lafayette Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Melvin Leo Kneer

November 20, 1927 - August 28, 2019