Wilbur Ferdinand Knoerr

Wilbur Ferdinand Knoerr, age 93 of St. James, MO, and formerly of Linn, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James.

Wilbur was born November 6, 1932, in Osage County, the youngest of 8 children to Frank and Cora (Coulter) Knoerr.

On August 18, 1954, he was united in marriage to Rita Schaefer at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson City. They lived on their family farm on the Gasconade River where Wilbur farmed. Rita preceded him in death on September 17, 2008.

On January 17, 1951, Wilbur was sworn into the United States Air Force as a Private 1st Class.

He was a member of St George Catholic Church in Linn, the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Missouri Farmers Union.

Wilbur was a descendant of John Coulter, the lead scout for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He was an avid sports fan and followed the Linn Wildcats and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wilbur had a “one of a kind” personality. He was a jokester, and he loved making people laugh. He loved his wife Rita, his cats and Jesus Christ.

Wilbur is survived by his nieces and nephews Jeannie Dulle, Eric Thompson, Cindi Thompson and Stepanie Lehman.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St George Catholic Church in Linn. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Noon with Fr. Colin Franklin as the Celebrant.

Interment will be in the Knoerr Family Cemetery on the Big Cedar Farm near Linn.

Expression of Sympathy may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.