Christopher John Knecht

Christopher John Knecht 

1982-2023 

Christopher John Knecht passed away on Aug. 25, 2023, just outside Auburn, Wash.  

He left behind his wife, Jessica Jinhong, of Enumclaw, Wash.; children, Ava, Parker and Adyline Knecht; parents, Corine and James Knecht; sister, Evangeline Bender; brother-in-law, Jack Bender; nephews, Jason and Luke Bender; brother, James R. Knecht; grandparents, Fidelia Baca, Robert Baca (deceased), Mary Knecht (deceased), and James Knecht (deceased); uncles and aunts, Bobby and Donna Baca, Louie and Cathy Baca, Paul and MaryJo Baca and Mary Williams; plus numerous cousins. 

Chris was a parishioner and usher at Sacred Heart in Enumclaw, Wash. He will be buried there near where his family currently lives. 

Professionally, Chris was a program manager for Providence Health and Services, and was previously employed by Morton’s Steak House of Las Vegas and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Seattle. 

Chris grew up in Belen, and graduated from Belen High School as part of the class of 2001. He graduated from UNLV with a BA in hotel management and from the University of Phoenix with an MBA. 

Chris was active in his community and was a Little League coach. He was also a good samaritan and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  

The tragic night that Chris was killed in an auto accident, he was on his way to help his mother-in-law, but God decided that it was time for his angel to come home. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. 

A reception to follow at the Belen Moose Lodge, 19482 N.M. 314.