John Knauff

John G. Knuaff, 53, of Alma, Kansas died from emphysema on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at the V.A. Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on March 9, 1951 in Oakland, CA as the next to the youngest of five children to George Davis and Helen Marie, nee Stannard, Knauff. The family lived in the Bay area until the parents were divorced about five years later. His mother remarried to Laurel H. Collins and the family moved to a farm in Upton, MO where John lived until he enlisted in the Army at the age of seventeen. He was stationed in Germany for about a year and then served in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. He was placed on permanent war related disability upon his return from Vietnam. Over the years he worked construction and various odd jobs at sporadic intervals and lived in various assisted living arrangements much of the time around the state, but John has been a permanent resident of Bldg #6 at the V. A. Hospital in Topeka for several years.
John was much loved and a great companion to his family and friends. His cheerful disposition and loving spirit eased his difficult life and nurtured those around him.
Everyone who knew him will long remember John's bright smile, wonderful sense of humor and overflowing generosity.
John is survived by his older sister, Donna Kay Brown, Washington, MO and her daughter, Heidi and grandson Garrett; by his two older brothers: Michael R. Knauff, Chattanooga, TN and his daughter Beth; and, Gregory H. Knauff, Washington, MO and his sons, Didzeh and Dustin. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, George D. Knauff, Jr. and all three parents.
Cremation is planned. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:00am Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at All Faiths Chapel at the V.A. Hospital, Topeka, KS. A second memorial service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00pm in the day room of Bldg #6 for patients and staff unable to attend the earlier service. Inurnment will be in the Linden Cemetery, Linden, MO with a graveside service and military honors at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 20, 2004. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.penwellgabel.com.