Gerald W. "Jerry" Knorr

Gerald W. (Jerry) Knorr passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025 at The Gardens of St. Francis in Oregon, Ohio. He was born in Toledo on April 24, 1942 to the late John and Jane (Hammer) Knorr. Growing up in a musical family, his mother began teaching him piano at the age of five. He later added the clarinet and saxophone to his instruments with his father’s help. While attending DeVilbiss High School he was a member of the school band and orchestra, graduating with honors in 1960. Jerry was destined to have a musical career. Playing in several area school dance bands in high school he formed his own band, JERRY KNORR and his Orchestra, playing for Teen Town dances. At the age of seventeen he joined the Toledo Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 15-286 because he was playing professionally in the Cal Warmington Orchestra with his father, John, on one side and his Uncle George on the other side in the sax section. When his father formed the The Johnny Knorr Orchestra in 1960 Jerry was an integral part, performing and later leading the band until its retirement in 2015. During 1962-1964 he honed his musical arranging skills at the Eastman School of Music studying with Ray Wright, Fred Karlin, and Manny Album where he wrote for shows featuring Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, and Clark Terry. Throughout his musical career he has performed with an almost endless list of entertainers; Bob Hope, Helen O’Connell, Bobby Vinton, Warren Covington, Tex Beneke, and many of the Lawrence Welk stars to name a few. Also, there were the numerous stage shows, ice shows, and circuses thru the years. Music was his avocation and love.

Jerry earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966 from the University of Toledo. Upon graduation Jerry was employed by IBM as a Systems Engineer. From 1970 to 1972 he was with Toledo Computer Center as the Vice President of Systems & Procedures. During the period from 1972 to 1993 he was the Senior Vice President of APS Medical Billing during which APS was converted to a paperless medical billing operation and an industry leader. In 1993 he began his career with Associated Pathologists, Inc. as their Corporate Financial Manger retiring in 2008 which ended his exemplary working career.

His memberships include; Toledo Federation of Musicians, AFM Local15-286, DeVilbiss High School Alumni, the University of Toledo Golden Alumni Association, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons (MSA), and Zenobia Shriners.

An avid Lionel train collector Jerry was known for his multiple passenger trains, O Gauge and Standard Gauge, running around the Christmas tree. Then, there was the two-tiered track layout running the perimeter of the living room, nailed thru the carpet. The highlight of this display was the missile car of one train on one track timed to hit the exploding boxcar of another train on the second track.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Emilie, son Jeremy Jon Knorr of Lawrenceville, GA, son Michael J. Stribrny (Julia) of Baunach, Germany, daughter Stephanie M. Stribrny of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Janee, Angelina, Lilly, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice Wilcox (Orville) of Pemberville, OH.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Gardens of St. Francis and Kind Hearts Hospice for the excellent care they have provided. Memorial contributions may be made to Oregon Fire and Rescue at 1040 S. Wynn Rd., Oregon, OH 43616 in recognition of the lifesaving services they provided or the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at www.alz.org.

A “Celebration of Life” for Jerry is planned for a later date to be announced on Walker Funeral Homes’ website and the Johnny Knorr Orchestra website. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.