Thomas Knauer

Thomas A. Knauer, 73, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, December 10, 2018. He was born on June 11, 1945 in Fond du Lac, the son of the late Gilbert and Lucille Knauer (nee Immel). Tom graduated from Goodrich High School in 1964 and joined the Army Reserves in 1965. He began work at Giddings & Lewis in August of 1966 and eventually would retire after 42 years as a Machinist and Manufacturing Engineer. On September 5, 1966, he married Dorothy Diedrich at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Tom was active in the Malone Heritage Museum, was a member of the Pipe Fishing Club, the Sturgeon for Tomorrow Club, International Association of Machinists, and the Giddings & Lewis Oldsters Club.  He loved sturgeon spearing and deer and turkey hunting. Tom also was a Nascar fan and enjoyed stock car racing and antique shopping.

Those Tom leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Dorothy; children, Bryan (Jody) Knauer of Appleton and Dale (Joelle) Knauer of Neenah; grandchildren, Francesca (Grant) Brueggeman, Abigail and Cassandra Knauer, and Matthew and Nathan Knauer; sisters, Teresa (Gary) Ernst and Donna Dumas; sister-in-laws, Mary Sippel and Helen (Alvin) Wendlandt; and brother-in-laws, William Diedrich and James Diedrich.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Shirley Diedrich; and brother-in-law, Rodney Sippel.

A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Tom will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI. 54937 . Entombment will follow at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Ledgeview Memorial Park. Tom’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Tom’s family would like to thank Harbor Haven and the St. Agnes Cancer Center, especially Dr. Tolay, Dr. Troicki, and their staff for their comfort and care.