John William Lieberknecht Obituary (1947 - 2024)

John William Lieberknecht, known as Jack, died at his beautiful home in Austin, Texas on May 3, 2024. He was born on May 6, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Leo and Elinor Lieberknecht. While studying English and Philosophy at Saint Joseph's University, he met Terry Stephenson, who became his loving partner in life and wife of 52 years. Jack started working during summer vacations with his dad at Vickery Stone Company. This set him on a career path of working all aspects of the stone business, which led him and his family from Pennsylvania, to Texas, to Minnesota, then back to Texas, where he returned to found Architectural Granite & Marble. Some notable projects include Williams Square in Irving, Pioneer Square in Omaha, the Lincoln Museum and Library in Springfield, and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin. In retirement, Jack enjoyed gardening, volunteering at the Central Texas Food Bank, fostering Labradors, walking and swimming, and spending time with his family. Jack was a great maker of things, teller of stories, and solver of problems. He loved travel - favorite trips included Bordeaux in 2019 and Glacier Bay National Park aboard the Catalyst in 2022 with his family. Jack was proud of the businesses he built, the welcoming home and verdant gardens he grew with Terry, and most of all, his three daughters, Katherine Lieberknecht, Chloe Lieberknecht, and Elizabeth Lieberknecht. Along with Terry, Katherine, Chloe, and Elizabeth, he is survived by his son-in-law Evan Driscoll and five wonderful grandchildren, Jamie Young, Cooper Lieberknecht, August Young, Rowan Young, and Eleanor Lieberknecht, and his in-laws, Karen and Ron Tucker. He is predeceased by his parents and son-in-law Robert Young. His family wish to thank Hospice Austin for their care. We will be gathering on June 1 to celebrate Jack and wish him well on his journey into the Great Perhaps. For details, please reach us at rememberingjack61@gmail.com. Should you desire, we suggest memorial contributions to Central Texas Food Bank (ctfb.org) or Heart of Texas Lab Rescue (hotlabrescue.org).