William F. Knauff, 76

William Frank Knauff, 76, passed away on Jan. 17, 2009.

William was born to William O. and Mary (Strafelda) Knauff on Feb. 11, 1932 in St. Paul, Minn. He was raised and went to school in South St. Paul, Minn.

On Dec. 27, 1952, he was joined in marriage to his wife Barbara M. Benham at St. Louis Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minn.

William had been an aircraft machinist for Northwest for a number of years before going into business for himself in the auto salvage industry. He was successful, and continued his business for 49 years.

During that time William had moved his family to Newport, Minn., where they resided for those 49 years, and became an active member of the community. William was a volunteer firefighter with the Newport Fire Department for 25 years, a member of the Park Port Lions, Newport Business Association, Automotive Recyclers of Minnesota and the Police Department Commission.

William is preceded in death by his wife Barbara.

He is survived by his beloved children Elizabeth Linaman, Bill (Lynn), Bob (Cindy), Leisa (Pedro) Garcia and Tom; grandchildren Aaron, Josh (Danielle), Bethany, Ben, Tony (Melissa), Tim, Robert Lee (Jill), David (Margaret), Karrie, Corey, Connor, Mike (Jody), Jeff (Vicki) and Vicki; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Sylvia (Bob) Tacheny, Peggy Kelly; and many other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave. St. Paul Park, Minn. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Avenue, St. Paul Park, Minn. and also one hour prior to the mass at the church. Internment Newport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Kok Funeral Home, (651) 459-2875.

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