Jon Kent Knochenmus

Jon Knochenmus, age 67, of Lynd, Minnesota, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 19, 2022. He died at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Grace Life Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment will follow in the Lakeside Cemetery near Balaton, Minnesota. Public Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Grace Life Church in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service and memory share at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue, again at the church on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his celebration at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the True Light Foundation - in support of True Light Christian School (directed to PO Box 294, Marshall, MN 56258 or https://www.truelightchristianschool.org/foundation.html)

Jon Kent Knochenmus was born on August 24, 1955, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Fritz and Elaine (Johnson) Knochenmus. Jon’s early years were full of adventure, and he always kept his parents on their toes. They would often find him on his little tricycle at the Balaton Elevator where his dad worked or up at the school seeking out the other kids. He was raised in Balaton, Minnesota, where he graduated from Balaton High School. Jon was an avid competitor in sports and loved playing football, basketball, baseball, and golf for the Balaton Warriors. Jon met the love of his life, Niter, during his senior year of high school.

Jon and Niter (Galbraith) were united in marriage on October 19, 1974, at the Evangelical Free Church in Marshall. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together and raised 3 incredible children in Balaton. Jon had such a heart for his hometown; he knew Balaton was a great place to raise a family and continued to pour his time and resources into the small town.

Jon was known for his larger-than-life personality. If you spent any amount of time with him, you’d know that your life mattered. His employees at Ralco and Tru Shrimp knew this well; they were family to him. Jon was a magnetic leader with a tremendous thirst for knowledge and innovation. He was never satisfied with the status quo and his passion for science and solving customer problems led him to introduce solutions that were frequently ahead of the curve. Jon was connected to Ralco early in the company’s history, having helped load the first semi-truck while dating his soon-to-be-bride, Niter, the daughter of Ralco founders Bob and Lou Galbraith. Jon and Niter became principal owners of the company in 2004 and the company then saw tremendous growth under Jon’s leadership.

While Jon enjoyed the challenge and excitement of the business world, his family brought him the most joy. He and Niter would go on fun trips, but their favorite destination was their lake home in northern Minnesota. He traveled a lot for business when their kids were growing up, but when he was home, he made the time spent with them count. He was an incredible dad. His grandkids and great grandkids were his pride and joy. He knew special details about each of their lives and did whatever he could to help them see their dreams come true. He loved them fiercely and they all know it.

Jon’s greatest passion was serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jon knew that eternity is real, and he was passionate about telling people about Jesus. He understood Kingdom principles, feared the Lord, and loved Him with his whole heart. Jon served at Victory Church as an elder and was there when the church began.

Jon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October of 2021. Again, not settling for the status quo, he and Niter packed up and headed to Scottsdale, Arizona, to the Envita Medical Clinic where cutting edge technologies used there were right up Jon’s alley. He made friends wherever he went and Envita was no different. He believed in the work they are doing there and was so thankful for the quality of life they gave him while battling this horrible cancer.

Jon died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 19, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Blessed be his memory.

Jon is survived by his wife of 48 years, Niter; children, Brian (Mindy), Annie (Doug), and Tamar; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; mother, Elaine Knochenmus of Balaton; siblings, Elaine (Tom) May, Gary (Corrine) Knochenmus, Julie (Mike) Benson; nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Fritz Knochenmus.

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