Sgt. Gregory V. Knoll 22 died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1944, during battle in World War II outside the town of Kommerscheidt, Germany, in The Hurtgen Forest offensive defending the line so other infantry soldiers could pull back.
Sgt. Gregory Knoll was born July 7, 1922, in St. Peter, Kan. He was the son of Adam and Eva Knoll of Garden City. Sgt. Knoll had 12 brothers and sisters. He worked on the family farms until he was drafted to join the U. S. Army in 1942. On leave, he married the love of his life Rose (Brungardt) Knoll on July 10, 1943.
Sgt. Knoll was killed in action and was listed as missing in action until recently his remains were identified through DNA and was sent home to his family for a funeral and final burial.
Sgt. Knoll and Rose had no children. He has only one surviving family member. His sister Agnella Horning of Garden City. Sgt. Knoll is preceded in death by his parents Adam and Eva Knoll, six brothers Edwin, Edward, Clarence, Eugene, Aruellius, Marcellyn Knoll and five sisters Josephine Meier, Genevieve Meier, Adeline Burgardt, Cyrilla L’Ecuyer and Glorianne Bascue.
Sgt. Knoll was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City.
There is a public viewing on Thursday, July 6 from noon until 8:00 p.m. at Garnand Funeral Home.
Family Rosary will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday July 7 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. A funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. Sgt. Knoll will be buried with full military honors by 1 Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of Fort Riley.
The family suggests memorials to be given in Sgt. Gregory V. Knoll name to St. Mary Church, Wounded Warriors or the All-American Beef Battalion in care of Garnand Funeral Home.
Condolences may be given at garnandsfuneralhomes.com.