Born in St. Louis, he married Vicki Knobbe (nee Diehl) on Aug. 16, 1974. They had two children, Stacy and Stefany. Jerry was a retired police officer with the Creve Coeur Police Department.

Deacon Knobbe was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on Feb. 11, 1989 by Archbishop John L. May. After ordination, he was assigned to St. Sebastian Parish. In 1992, he was assigned to St. Martin de Porres Parish, and in 1994 to All Saints Parish in St. Peters, where he was serving at the time of his death.

Prior to his retirement, Deacon Knobbe performed the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending funerals, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion services when needed at the parish, performing baptisms, conducting Benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross. Deacon Knobbe worked in various sacramental preparation programs, along with outreach to the poor, those in hospitals and the homebound. He also served a leadership role in various support programs for police officers, and as a chaplain to them.

Burial was in St. Philippine Cemetery in Saint Charles.