Anson Knoderer

ORAN, Mo. -- Anson Scott Knoderer departed this life and entered his eternal reward Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Anson was born June 20, 1925, to Zella Vandell Scott and Cecil C. Knoderer in Sunbury, Ohio, in the county of Delaware. Anson and Janet Kilbury were united in marriage June 22, 1949, in Sunbury.

Anson farmed Ringer Hill Farms Inc. from 1953 to his retirement in 2003. In 1974, his son, William Knoderer, joined him in the family farm operation. Anson received many awards for this commitment to excellent farming and conservation. He received the Regional Tree Farmer of the Year for Ringer Hill Farms by the Missouri Tree Farm Committee, was a member of the Stoddard County Soil Water Conservation District and served as chairman of the Pike Township Road Board. He was also an excellent carpenter and hobby blacksmith, making many beautiful items for family and friends, and an avid fisherman and hunter.

Anson was an active member of Bell City United Methodist Church.

Anson answered the call to serve his country during World War II. Having joined the Army in 1943, he was sent to Casablanca as an infantryman to serve in the 88th Infantry Division, the "Blue Devils," and was trained for the invasion of Sicily and the Italian peninsula. After the successful allied invasion at Anzio, his company was committed to combat against the Gustav line in the battle for Santa Maria Infante in order to secure the road from Naples to Rome for its subsequent liberation. Having won a battle star for this action, his company was one of the first forward elements of the 351st Regiment to enter the Eternal City. After Rome was secured June 4, 1944, his division was committed to the Rome/Arno/North Apennines campaign. The assault of the 88th Infantry Division against the German Gothic Line at Mount Capello resulted in Anson's company receiving a Presidential Unit Citation, General Order Number 43 War Department 1946, along with his personal award of a second battle star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart from wounds sustained Sept. 29, 1944. Other medals and ribbons awarded were as follows: Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman of Rifle, Good Conduct Medal, European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, as well as post service recognition by the state of Missouri.

Anson was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janet Knoderer; two sisters, Elizabeth Conant and Elsie Gandt; and a niece, Chrystal Conant Blanton.

Survivors include a son, William (Dawn) Knoderer of Oran; two daughters, Elizabeth "Cissy" (Dale) Williams of Oran and Sarah (Michael) Moran of Deerfield Beach, Florida; nephew, Scott (Rebekah) Conant; and other relatives and friends.

Grandchildren are Melissa Keller of St. Louis, Matthew Knoderer of Cape Girardeau, Megan Moran of Deerfield Beach and Jessica Moran and fiance, Jacob Fischer, of Miami.

Great-grandchildren are Nicolette and William Knoderer of Cape Girardeau, Mia Guizani of Deerfield Beach and Ruby Keller of St. Louis.

There will be a memorial service for Anson at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 at Bell City United Methodist Church in Bell City, Missouri. The family will be there at 9 a.m., for those wishing to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Missouri Veterans Regional Foundation, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

The family would like to personally thank the fine staff and volunteers at the Veterans Home. They are amazing people who loved our father, and he loved them. They always treated Dad with honor and respect, and did their best to allow him to retain his dignity. We thank them.