Otto W. Knauth

Our Uncle To will be forever remembered by us, his nieces and nephews, as a quiet and profoundly articulate mentor withe the wisdom of Archimedes, the patience of the Dallas Lama, and the humility of Mother Theresa. Even now as I write I can see him rolling his eyes and protesting my adulations. He was a truly great man, and a firm example to everyone lucky enough to have him touch their lives.

I first met Otto when his daughter Kathy, wife Dot and I went on a Register and Tribune canoe trip he led on the Iowa River. What a kind, thoughtful and intelligent man. I can still see him, in his flat cap, quietly leading their dog Spot across the street to stay with neighbors while we were away. I remember his shock at my phobia of snakes - even 4" baby garters snakes. I remember his nephew Chris saying at his Memorial Service "we didn't need Encyclopedia Britannica - we had Uncle...

In my early days at the Register, I liked to write about beautiful things, like the beginning of spring. My city editor allowed me to go find a spring story. I did. But I returned to find that Otto had done the same thing, only much better. Otto had the finest, lightest, most perceptive touch. Kind and incomparable.

Ott's obituary says it all - he will be greatly missed by many. But for me, it was Otto's inclusion of Kathy's and Tod's friends into family life and activities that are my most treasured memories. Lolly Fawcett and Rick Olson

As fine a journalist as I've ever known, but more important, as fine a person. Otto was an inspiration to me in both ways. Iowa and the world are diminished without him.

Otto was incomparable -- as a gentleman, as a newsman, as a friend. He is honorary captain of the R&T newsroom's all-time all-star team.

I recall reading Otto Knauth's articles about the building of the Saylorville Dam project to the north of the Des Moines area during the 1970s. His reporting of that story introduced me to the Des Moines Register and to newspapers in general. Knauth was a giant among giants. Long may his memory live.

Otto, you were a kind and wonderful mentor when I was a DMR "copy kid," and the consummate science journalist -- making the wonders of science accessible to all.

Uncle To was a good Uncle and fine outdoorsman with an amazing history, of which he kept to himself. His modesty and kindness are an example to us all. For this, and so much more, he will be sorely missed.I take solace in knowing that he is with his wife Dot, as sure as the sun casts rainbows in spindrift.