Obituary of Andrew L. Knoell

Tribute & Message From The Family Andrew L. Knoell, 73, of Blue Island, Religion Teacher at Brother Rice High School for eighteen years. Beloved partner of Earl Summers, cherished son of the late Laurie and the late Mary Ellen Knoell, dear brother of the late Jerry (Susie) and Maryann (the late Corky) Wagner, loving uncle of four nephews and three nieces. Memorial donations to Brother Rice High School: Andrew L. Knoell Memorial Fund, greatly appreciated. Andrew was born July 19, 1941 in Fremont, Nebraska and passed from this life on October 20, 2014 at his home in Blue Island. After graduation from Fremont High School, Andrew entered the Franciscan seminary and was ordained a priest in June, 1971. Along with two other Franciscan friars, he was appointed to a team ministry at Corpus Christi Church in Chicago. Andrew cherished those years he spent with the warm, accepting parishioners of Corpus Christi, developing a life-long connection to many of them. After 8 years, he decided to leave the priesthood, but those Franciscan roots were deep and the kinship continued throughout his lifetime. For the following five years, he worked with architect Paul Straka, he then taught religion at St. Martin De Porres High School for 12 years, until it closed. In August 1996, he began teaching religion at Brother Rice High School until 2013. Brother Rice was a wonderful part of his life, he loved and was loved by all the students and faculty. He was appreciated for his work as the liturgy coordinator and his involvement with the school's social service programs. Andrew lived with Earl, his partner of 35 years. The Christmas season had a very special meaning to Andrew and Earl. They spent months decorating their house and hosted wonderful holiday parties. Andrew also had a love of gardening, which resulted in a yard full of flowers, shrubs, tress and greenery, providing a place of peace and beauty. Many weekends would find Andrew and Earl out scouring flea markets and estate sales, looking for the one of a kind item, which is why their home and garden are exceptional. Andrew was a loving soul, always ready to lend a helping hand to others who needed it. Andrew will be remembered and missed for his many gifts. He found joy in sharing artistic talents for decorating altars, transforming gardens or beautifying dining rooms-always enhancing the environment for so many who celebrated life with him.