Jerome William Knetsch

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August 9, 1938 – November 20, 2020

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Jerome William Knetsch was born, the second of two children, on August 9, 1938 in Niederwald, Texas to Frederick (Buddy) Gustav Knetsch and Flora Weisser Knetsch. He left this life on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Jerome was a lifelong resident of Texas where he proudly lived all of his life, never moving outside of the central Texas area, except for a short stay in Rockport. He grew up on the family farm in Niederwald in the same house where he was born. His family were members of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Niederwald. Jerome attended Rogers Ranch Community School and later graduated from Buda High School. As a young child, he understood both German and English and was always proud of his German/American heritage.

Having grown up in agriculture, much of Jerome’s work was in farm and ranch work, and farm and automotive equipment sales. It was said that Jerome knew many of the thousands of equipment parts by memory and could quickly find whatever customers needed. He knew his vehicles and could tell you the make and model of any car or truck.

Jerome was creative and enjoyed making handmade gifts for his family for the holidays. His creations included paintings, artwork, leather work, jewelry, and decorations. He also enjoyed craft shows where he sold his creations, knew everyone at the show, and never met a stranger.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, cookouts, fish fries, campouts, summer weekend trips to Leisure Park, and bowling at Rogers Ranch Bowling Alley which was in the same building where he had attended elementary school. He loved fishing and was known for the story of the 52-pound catfish that he caught that was published in the local paper. In retirement, when he was well, he enjoyed helping his sons compete in area cook-off competitions. Jerome was also a good dancer and loved to dance and sing. He would often break out in singing and swing his daughter around as he danced through the house.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Flora Knetsch; his sister, Crystal Skalomenos; his brother-in-law, Chris Skalomenos; and niece Deborah Skalomenos.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Knetsch; son, Curtis Knetsch; daughter LaVonne Green and husband Mark; son Gary Knetsch and wife Dee Ann; grandsons, Dustin Knetsch, Clayton Knetsch, Brandon Manis, Blake Manis; grand-daughters Kailey Warden, Megan Knetsch, and Leslie Johnson; and many great-grandchildren.

Jerome was dearly loved by his wife, children, family and friends and will be missed by all. The family is very grateful to Jerome’s wife, Kathleen Knetsch for the loving and faithful way that she cared for him during these last difficult years in which Jerome had great difficulty in walking.

Memorial arrangements pending.