Raymond Knauf

Raymond Everett Knauf, age 88 years of Niles, Michigan died at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Lakeland Hospital – Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on August 15, 1927 in Niles to Raymond Everett and Olinda (Loos) Knauf, Sr. He was graduated from Niles High School, and enlisted in the United States Navy. During his four year tour of duty he served on the newly commissioned destroyer USS Noa (DD841), and was honorably discharged as a Veteran of World War II. He then began his career in the Jackson, Michigan offices of Clark Equipment Company as manager of the publication of items such as operator manuals and technical bulletins. He retired in 1982 and returned to Niles, but continued to serve as a consultant to Clark Equipment.

Ray was a member of Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. He was also a member of the Saint Joseph Valley Masonic Lodge #4, F. & A.M. in Niles, and of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #449 in Buchanan, Michigan. He enjoyed fishing and hunting - especially in Canada – and taking his pontoon boat out on Barron Lake.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steve Knauf, and by his parents.

Surviving family includes his daughter, Linda Rae (& Rick Anderson) Wernet of Bryan, Ohio; grandchildren Troy, Todd Erika, and Rachael; great-grandchildren, twins Hayden and Tyler, and Tate, Chloe, Reagan, and Addison; and Ray’s sister, Carol Lee Gaines of Niles and nephews Dan and Mike; and great nieces and nephew Abigail, Jacob, and Emily; and Ray’s life companion, Nancy Lake.