Charles A. Knoblauch

Published in The Desert Sun from May 5 to May 10, 2010

Charles A. Knoblauch, 92, of La Quinta, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2010, with family and friends at his side after a lengthy illness.

A native of Bay City, Mich., he was born September 25, 1917 to Adolph and Veronica (McMullen) Knoblauch, and had five brothers, all of whom have preceded him in death.

Educated in Bay City schools, he became a minor league baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals organization before being drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.

In 1942, he entered Officers School in Fort Benning, Ga. where he became a Second Lieutenant. Subsequently, Charles served in the 31st Infantry Division as Captain and Company Commander, participating in campaigns in New Guinea, Morotai, Dutch East Indies and the Philippines.

Captain Knoblauch had a distinguished military career and was awarded the Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars. When discharged from active duty he was promoted to Major in the Army Reserve.

During the Korean War, he was recalled and served in the Headquarters of the Minnesota Military District.

In 1945, he married Susan Buckwell of Carthage, Missouri, who preceded him in death in 1991.

Charles was an astute business executive, and worked for the Firestone Tire Company in the Kansas City, Chicago and Minneapolis districts. In 1962, he became sales manager for its West Coast Private Brands, and was headquartered in Los Angeles until his retirement in 1981. During that time, he was an avid and exceptional golfer and belonged to the Calabasas Country Club.

In 1996, Charles married Mary Louise Reilly of Woodland Hills, Calif., and moved to La Quinta. He then joined the Indian Wells Country Club and became a beloved figure at the club's many golf outings and social occasions. He was also a member of the La Quinta Historical Museum as well as a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

His bright blue eyes, quick wit and charming ways brought Charles the wealth of a large circle of friends who enjoyed his company, visited him regularly through the years, and will miss him dearly.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; sister-in-law, Linda Knoblauch; brother-in-law, Robert Welling (Rosalee); and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews from the Knoblauch, Reilly, and Welling families.

A viewing and prayer will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 6, 2010 in the chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 47225 Washington Street, La Quinta, followed immediately by the Mass of Resurrection in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the University of St. Mary, 4100 So. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS, 66048 for the Charles Knoblauch Athletic Scholarship Fund.