Rev. Donald E. Knuffman
Reverend Donald E. Knuffman, age 77, of Quincy died Friday, July 1, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Home, Quincy, IL.
He was born on October 5, 1938 in Quincy, a son of Everett & Mary (Welsh) Knuffman.
Father Knuffman graduated from Liberty High School and then St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock, AR.
He was a Catholic priest in the Springfield, IL Diocese, celebrating his 50 year jubilee, May 22, 2015. During his priesthood, Father Knuffman served throughout the Diocese. His first assignment was assistant at St. Boniface in Edwardsville, IL. from 1965-1969. He was also assistant at Ss. Peter and Paul in Springfield before moving to Quincy in 1970, and serving as first assistant and then parochial minister until 1973 . He was assistant at Our Savior in Jacksonville from 1973-1977 and then at St. Francis Cabrini in Springfield from 1977-1980.
Over the next 15 years, he served in a number of parishes, most of the time as pastor: St. Jerome, Troy; St. John the Baptist, Black Jack; Sacred Heart, Effingham; Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur; St. Dominic, Quincy; St. Peter, Petersburg and Holy Family, Athens. He moved back to Quincy when he retired in 2009, for health reasons.
He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Knight’s of Columbus. He enjoyed collecting model tractors and was a true St. Louis Cardinals fan. Some of his favorite times were vacations with family and friends and he enjoyed sharing time with his nieces and nephews and they with him. He loved to read and enjoyed a variety of genres.
He is survived by a brother, Marvin Knuffman and a sister, Joan VandenBoom, both of Quincy along with some very special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Ann Knuffman, and two great-nephews, BJ VandenBoom and Jeffrey VandenBoom.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, IL by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and concelebrants. Interment will be in St. Brigid Cemetery, Liberty. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Brigid Church and Thursday morning from 10:30 until the time of services at the church. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Notre Dame High School and Unity Point Hospice.
Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, Quincy is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Blessings go out to the family of Fr. Knuffman. We have been blessed to have known him and his family a few short years, but what a wonderful person, and what a beautiful family
REST IN PEACE WORTHY CHAPLAIN FROM SIR KNIGHT WORTHY INSIDE SENTINEL CHRIS EGGERT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 3410 VIVAT JESUS
My family’s deepest sympathy goes to the family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Father spent some very difficult days with us. He was our comforter. He had a special touch.
We stayed in touch at least at Christmas. His gentle hand will be missed. God bless all of you!!!
Know he is in the arms of Jesus and is safely home.
Marvin–Peace, my friend. Don is now home with Jesus and Ann. We have another saint to watch over us. Hugs to all.
Marvin, Joan and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
My deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends. He will be miss
Marvin, Dick and I were so sorry to hear about Fr. Don. He was an awesome man and wonderful priest. I thought so much of him. He obviously went straight to Heaven and I bet Ann was there to great him. Love you, Marv.
Fr. Don was such a loving, kind priest. He had a gentle spirit and helped lead many to a closer relationship with God. Our family will be out of town during the services but we’ll keep Fr. Don and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Fr. Knuffman was a wonderful priest. He was the associate pastor as I began my teaching career at St. Cabrini school in Springfield, IL. Fr. always sought out those who in any way were having a difficult time and he offered a listening ear and heart.
May he be blessed with eternal life.
Dear Marvin and family. Please know that we are praying for your strength and peace at this time. God bless you and God Speed to Fr. Don. Terri and John Badamo