Ralco Mourns the Loss of President Emeritus Jon Knochenmus
Ralco President Emeritus Jon Knochenmus passed away on Nov. 19 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67.
A magnetic leader with a tremendous thirst for knowledge and innovation, Jon was never satisfied with the status quo, Ralco said in a release. His passion for science and solving customer problems led him to introduce solutions that were frequently ahead of the curve.
“Dad was a visionary whose incredible curiosity allowed him to see opportunity and possibility that most people missed,” Ralco President and CEO Brian Knochenmus said in a release. “His passion to serve customers and discover new solutions created rapid growth and attracted an exceptional team of people to Ralco.”
Jon has been tied to Ralco since the company's early days, having helped load the first semi-truck while dating his soon-to-be bride, Niter, daughter of Ralco founder Bob and Lou Galbraith. Jon later went on to become a Ralco dealer at age 20 and national sales manager at age 25. In 1993 he became a part-owner until 2004 when Jon and Niter became the principal owners leading to a time of tremendous growth under Jon’s leadership, the company said.
His Christian faith was demonstrated in his great love for people which shaped his decision-making and Ralco’s culture, the company pointed out.
“Dad had an unparalleled belief in people. So much of the possibility that he envisioned was found in the people behind the innovations,” Brian said. “He would take a chance on people and give them the license to do big things. He often used an example from the Bible in 1 Corinthians 12 that speaks of the body being made up of many parts, and that everyone of us are important parts of the body, each valuable and needed for the body to function and thrive.”
Beloved by customers, employees and the many people that knew him in the agriculture industry, Jon left a big mark on the livestock industry. He is survived by his wife Niter, children Brian (Mindy), Annie (Doug) and Tamar, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
