Your Turn/Kody Knoche
Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 25, 2026
When I was a kid, I wanted to be … a paleontologist. I was all about dinosaurs growing up.
What would you rather be doing right now? I’m a homebody at heart, so I’m happiest spending time at home with my family.
Shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone that … I play Dungeons and Dragons every week with a group of friends.
Other than your wedding day and/or the birth of your children, what was your proudest moment? Receiving the Award of Excellence from MBNA (Monument Builders of North America) for a monument I helped design.
It really stinks when … people leave their shopping carts sitting in the parking lot instead of putting them away.
What word in the dictionary would your face be next to? My wife would probably say “sarcasm.”
I always laugh when … my son laughs. It’s impossible not to.
Invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner. Who are they? J.R.R. Tolkien. (The “Lord of the Rings” is my all-time favorite trilogy.) My Great-Uncle Cecil Braeden. (He was the first volunteer for the SR-71 blackbird during his career in the Air Force.) The last one is a bit odd, but I would love to talk with my son when he is older and after I have passed. Just to discuss his challenges, accomplishments and overall the life he will live.
At the end of a really long day at work, I like to … take a walk with my wife and son.
People who knew me in high school thought I was … artistic.
My most unforgettable brush with greatness was … Honestly, I’ve never had a run-in with anyone famous.
I would drop all my plans tonight if I had the chance to … head to Paddle Up in Quincy and play pickleball.
If someone gave me a million dollars, there is STILL no way I would … give up my job.
I’m OK if there’s ever a national shortage of … hats. I’ve got more than enough.
When I’m on the Internet, I always go to … Instagram. I follow a lot of photographers and enjoy the inspiration and ideas.
What is the most useful piece of advice you have ever received? “Make yourself irreplaceable.” My dad told me that on my first day of work, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
When I’m cruising down the road, I’m likely listening to … a little bit of everything. My music taste is all over the place.
I always get sentimental when … I look back at my son’s newborn photos.
The older I get, the more I realize … it’s important to put your phone down and be present in the moment.
If I had one “do-over,” I would … have asked my wife to marry me sooner.
My favorite item of clothing is … a St. Louis Cardinals hat that belonged to my Grandpa Knoche. He wore it all the time, and we spent countless hours watching baseball together.
If I’ve learned anything at all … it’s to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.
Kody Knoche, 32, has lived in Warsaw his entire life. Knoche is married with a wonderful 2-year-old son. He serves as the operations manager at Harrison Monuments.
