Virgil C. Dechant GCPO GCSG KHS (September 24, 1930 – February 15, 2020) was the twelfth Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a position he held from January 21, 1977, to September 30, 2000.[1]

Virgil Dechant

12th Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus
ChurchCatholic Church
InstalledJanuary 21, 1977 (1977-01-21)
Term endedSeptember 30, 2000 (2000-09-30)
PredecessorJohn W. McDevitt
SuccessorCarl A. Anderson
Personal details
Born(1930-09-24)September 24, 1930
DiedFebruary 15, 2020(2020-02-15) (aged 89)
Leawood, Kansas, U.S.
DenominationRoman Catholic
SpouseAnn L. Dechant
Children4

Biography

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Dechant was born September 24, 1930, in Antonino, Ellis County, Kansas, and lived in Leawood, Kansas. His ancestors were German-Russians from the Mariental region. He and his wife Ann L. Dechant had four children and 12 grandchildren.

Prior to joining the Knights of Columbus in 1967 in the role of Supreme Secretary, Dechant worked as a farmer and a farm equipment salesperson. He also owned a car dealership.[2]

Dechant served as the vice president of the Vatican Bank, a Gentleman of His Holiness, and a Councillor on the State Council for Vatican City.

He had the honor of escorting President George W. Bush to the funeral of Pope John Paul II.[3]

Dechant stepped down as Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus on September 30, 2000, at the age of seventy after serving the longest term ever by a Supreme Knight. He was succeeded by Carl A. Anderson.[4]

Dechant died on February 15, 2020, at the age of 89.[2]

Distinctions

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References

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  1. ^ "Knights of Columbus: 125 Years in Review –1970s". Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Virgil Dechant, long-serving KofC Supreme Knight, dies at 89". Catholic World Report. February 16, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  3. ^ "Dechant, Virgil C." Center for Volga German Studies. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  4. ^ Dame, Marketing Communications: Web // University of Notre. "Carl A. Anderson // Under Caesar's Sword // University of Notre Dame". Under Caesar's Sword. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
Religious titles
Preceded by Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus
1977-2000
Succeeded by