Rick Peter Knez

Rick Peter Knez, 67, a respected former banker and handyman, and beloved member of the Winter Haven and Eagle Lake communities, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024. He was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed.

Rick was born in Elmhurst, Illinois to Peter Knezevich, Jr. and Eleanor (Staschke) Knezevich. The family later shortened their name to Knez. They moved from the Chicago area to Polk County in 1963. Rick comes from a large family where he was the middle child of seven children. He was a loving brother and son.

Rick is a graduate of Winter Haven High School (class of 1975) where he played varsity basketball. He met his future wife on the basketball courts during his senior year. Basketball continued to be a passion of theirs, both coaching for local youth leagues and hosting friendly games on the full-sized court in their backyard.

Rick earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Florida Southern College. Rick married Sherri Lynn Moore on January 10, 1981 and had two children: Kristopher and Jeffrey. Rick worked as a store manager for the Butler Shoe Company and moved to several cities throughout Florida with his family to manage stores. He then worked with First Union Bank and was ultimately promoted to branch manager at the esteemed Lakeland downtown location. Rick was a mortgage lender for many years and then took a step back from the corporate world and started his own business doing high-quality remodeling and specialty construction. He took great pride in his work and was methodical and detail oriented. His motto was "measure twice, cut once".

He loved sports, especially basketball, the Chicago Cubs, and the Florida Gators. He loved all things Chicago-related. He also enjoyed classic cars, live music, boating, fishing, watching TV shows like Chicago P.D. and Blue Bloods, drinking Coke Zero or Coors Light, collecting stuff, and spending time with his family.

Rick was sadly preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Sherri, brother Ronald Knez (Sherry), sister Shari (Knez) Wells, and brother Michael Knez. He is survived by his sons Kristopher Knez and Jeffrey Knez (Jamie), granddaughter Julie Knez, sister Susan Beebe (Matthew), brother Peter Knez (Carmen), sister Kathie Harrison (Tyhad), nephews: Jon Knez (Amanda), Reed Wells (Jen), Matthew Knez, Peter Knez (Kelly); nieces: Sara Knez, Cari Wells (Frank), Stacy Silas (Jamie), Melissa Giannios (Dimitri), Halee Altenburg (Ryan), Kacee Harrison, Kaitlyn Beebe, and Karsen Beebe; 9 great-nieces, 4 great-nephews, and his loving dog Hank.

A celebration of life will be held at Rick's home, located at 437 N 3rd St. Eagle Lake, FL 33839 on November 10, 2024. There will be an open house from 2:00-5:00pm for all who wish to stop by.