LYND — Jon Knochenmus was part of Ralco from the company’s early days. He went from helping to load Ralco’s first semi truck to leading the company through a major period of growth. Through all that time, Knochenmus’ love of people and his faith were at the core of his leadership, his son Brian Knochenmus said.

“Dad was a visionary whose incredible curiosity allowed him to see opportunity and possibility that most people missed,” said Brian Knochenmus, president and CEO of Ralco. “His passion to serve customers and discover new solutions created rapid growth and attracted an exceptional team of people to Ralco.”

Jon Knochenmus died at his home Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

He was connected to Ralco from early on in the company’s history, a news release said. Jon helped load the first Ralco semi when he and his wife Niter were dating. Niter is the daughter of Ralco founder Bob Galbraith and Lou Galbraith.

Jon became a Ralco dealer at age 20, and the company’s national sales manager at 25. He became a part owner in 1993, and in 2004 Jon and Niter became the principal owners of Ralco. Ralco experienced “tremendous” growth under Jon’s leadership, the news release said.

Brian Knochenmus said his father’s Christian faith was at the center of his approach to business, and to people.

“Dad had an unparalleled belief in people. So much of the possibility that he envisioned was found in the people behind the innovations,” Brian Knochenmus 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.”

A celebration of life is planned for Jon Knochenmus at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at Grace Life Church in Marshall.

A public visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with a prayer service and memory sharing at 7. Visitation will continue at the church at 9 a.m. Wednesday.