Stephen Kent Knollhoff

Stephen Kent Knollhoff was born January 21, 1960 in Quincy, Illinois to Eleanor C. Knollhoff and Harry E. Knollhoff.  He died December 21, 2023 in St. Charles, Missouri at the home of his sister, Kim Merritt, with whom he had been living the past eleven years.  He was proceeded in death by his parents, and a sister, Emily Roy.  Survivors include a brother, Harry E. Knollhoff, jr. of St. Charles, Kim Merritt, also of St. Charles, Tracey Coffman of Mooresville, N.C., Rosanne Roy of Hannibal, Jackie Estes of Lake St. Louis, and Ellen Yount of Hannibal, in addition to several nieces and nephews.

Stephen was a special person, who loved to dance, a good joke, Halloween, scary movies, Power Rangers, going out to eat and frequent trips to Dairy Queen, because "they treat you right".  Although he was born with Down Syndrome, that did not stop him from enjoying all the experiences life had to offer.

Stephen started school in Bowling Green, then graduated from Booneslick State School in St. Peters, Missouri.  Later, when the family moved to Florida, Stephen worked as a bagger at the Publix grocery store.  He was an avid swimmer, from the time he was just a toddler, and was selected to participate in the State Special Olympics while living in Florida.  Whether he enjoyed or simply endured opportunities to go to Camp Callahan and Camp Yagottawanna allowed him to meet and make new friends after moving back to Hannibal.  He especially liked going to the dances sponsored by Marion County Services--but mostly he enjoyed the food.

One final thing to remember about Stephen was that he was made an Affiliate of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Order of Secular Franciscans.  Stephen always had a ready smile, and a warm hug, and friendly greetings for everyone who met him.  He will be deeply missed!

in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Missouri.