STEELEVILLE – Lonnie R. Knop, 74, of Steeleville, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022, at home.

Lonnie was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, on July 30, 1947, the son of Elmer "Bud" and Dorothy Mathis Knop.  He married Cynthia Welshans on August 2, 1969 in Sparta, she preceded him in death on July 25, 1989.  He later married Donna Krantz on April 1, 1996 in Steeleville.  Lonnie was a Laborer for Construction Company.  He was retired from the US Army, having serviced in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.  Lonnie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Walsh.  He was a member of the BBK American Legion Post #480 in Steeleville and a Lifetime member of the DVA.  Lonnie was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.  He enjoyed playing Yahtzee with Donna and loved listening to the History Channel and Jeopardy.  Lonnie loved Florida and the salt air breeze.  Although He experienced many challenges in life, he always had a smile on his face and met few strangers.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Donna Knop of Steeleville; children, Shawn (Karen) Knop of Percy, Bruce (Joyce) Dudenbostel of Herculaneum, MO, and Laura (Daniel) Dudenbostel-Poncia of San Jose, CA; five grandchildren, Cody Knop, Joseph Poncia, Emily Dudenbostel, Nicolle Poncia, and Logan Hennerichs; brothers, Lynn (Jane) Knop of Belleville, Mark Knop of Lovell, WY; aunt, Betty Ashley of Steeleville; and close friend and neighbor, Matt Young of Steeleville.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his Parents; one daughter, Melissa Knop;and sister, Suzie Padilla.

It was his wishes to be cremated with a Celebration of Life service to be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Missouri National Veterans Memorial, Perryville, MO, With Deb Rathert Officiating. Visitation Will be held 12-2 pm, Sunday May 22, 2022, at Missouri National Veterans Memorial, Perryville, MO. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh or Wounded Warriors Project.  To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .