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Knechel, Ralph C. September 2, 1926 - October 8, 2025

Ralph C. Knechel, aged 99, of Hackettstown, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025.  He was born September 2, 1926 to the late Howard and Annie (Wiley) Knechel and made Hackettstown his lifelong home, where he and his wife, Lois Rossy Knechel, built a life anchored in community service, family and integrity.

Ralph and Lois were grade school sweethearts who celebrated 72 years of marriage.  After graduating from Hackettstown High School and General Motors Institute, he and Lois raised their family in Hackettstown and were active in many civic and community efforts including Ralph serving in the United States Navy and a Veteran of WWII, past President of the Kiwanis Club and Hackettstown Area Chamber of Commerce, and a founding Board Member of Skylands Bank.

In 1960 Ralph and Lois opened the local Ford dealership, Knechel Ford, after his time working as a Salesman at the local Veys Auto Dealership.  Knechel Ford became a mainstay of the town’s business life and a family enterprise that employed multiple generations.

Throughout his life, Ralph was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and the genuine care he showed for neighbors, friends and strangers alike.  He was deeply involved in supporting the Hackettstown Medical Center.  Together with Lois and the family, he helped raise funds over the years and played a role in the establishment of the Joan Knechel Cancer Center, a tribute to loss, community and hope.

Ralph is survived by his loving daughter, Linda Bahnuk and husband Timothy, his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Scott and partner Dave, and Mark Bahnuk and wife Erikka, and his great grandchildren, Abigail Scott, and Harper and Hazel Bahnuk.  Ralph is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, his dear son, Thomas Knechel and his wife Joan, his brother Howard “Bud” Knechel and his sister, Ruth Nunn.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 14th from 3-7pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.

The funeral service will be held 11am on Wednesday, October 15th at Cochran Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Gebhard officiating.  Burial will follow at Union Cemetery Hackettstown.  All are welcome to join the family at the repast following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joan Knechel Cancer Center, c/o Hackettstown Medical Center, 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 in memory of Ralph.

11 Condolences for Knechel, Ralph C.

Condolences(11)

  1. REPLY
    Ed Wehmeyer says
    October 10, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    Our condolences to family and friends. Ralph was a wonderful man for our Hackettstown community.

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:33 am

      Thank you Ed

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:36 am

      Thank you

  2. REPLY
    Eddie meeker says
    October 10, 2025 at 7:11 pm

    Knew Ralph and his family a long time..purchased many cars from him..always treated you right…always said say hello to to your dad for me….Tony meeker…..condolences to to his extended family…

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:34 am

      Thank you Ed

  3. REPLY
    Brittani (DiMaio) Wittmann says
    October 10, 2025 at 10:41 pm

    Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors to my family for many many years. You will be missed very much. My condolences to the family.

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:37 am

      Thank you Both my Mom and Dad enjoyed having you and your family as neighbors.

  4. REPLY
    Gary J. Kuipers, Sr. says
    October 12, 2025 at 10:55 am

    Ralph was a wonderful person, kind, considerate, and an honest businessman. I purchased a number of vehicles from his firm, one of which I currently operate. I remember the Ford Galaxies that were provided to behind the wheel course at HHS during the late 1960’s. I had the privilege of participating in this course of instruction. Anytime I brought my vehicles in for servicing Ralph would always come out with a thank you and kind greeting. My sincere condolences to the family.

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:39 am

      Thank you.

  5. REPLY
    Joseph Lake Jr says
    October 12, 2025 at 11:30 pm

    Mr. Knechel was always nice and an honest business person when we bought vehicles at his dealership. Rest in peace sir.

    • Linda Bahnuk says
      October 21, 2025 at 9:40 am

      Thank you Joe

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