Gregory Charles Knau

Gregory "Greg" Knau, beloved husband, devoted friend, and passionate explorer of the world, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025 at the age of 74. Greg lived life with a sense of adventure, joy, and deep appreciation for both the extraordinary and the everyday.

Greg's greatest joy was traveling the world hand in hand with his wife and best friend, Wendy. Together, they created a lifetime of unforgettable memories in places like Hawaii, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and beyond. Whether it was walking along a quiet beach, riding bikes on scenic trails, or ringing in the New Year under Hawaiian skies, Greg embraced each moment with gratitude and excitement.

An avid Formula 1 enthusiast, Greg chased the thrill of race weekends across North America and Europe, attending Grand Prix events in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Belgium, and Italy. The roar of the engines and the energy of the crowd brought him immense joy, as did the camaraderie of fellow fans.

Back home, Greg's passions remained just as vibrant. A proud supporter of Iowa State University, he cherished tailgating with friends, cheering on the Cyclones, and sharing laughter under the open sky. His hobbies included building and collecting model railroads-a nod to his attention to detail and love for craftsmanship-and cruising in his beloved MX-5 Miata with the top down and the road ahead.

Greg had a spirit of curiosity and adventure, which led him to experiences like a thrilling helicopter tour over Hawaii, driving on the German autobahn, attending BMW driving school, and even participating in the European Delivery of a new BMW-an experience he spoke of with pride and excitement.

He and Wendy shared a special tradition of weekly movie dates, a simple joy that reflected the deep bond and friendship they nurtured every day. Their love was built on shared laughter, exploration, and the quiet comfort of each other's company.

Greg will be remembered for his warm smile, adventurous heart, and unwavering love for the people and passions that filled his life. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, wonder, and deep connection-a reminder to all of us to chase what we love, embrace the journey, and never stop exploring.

Greg is survived by his loving wife Wendy; sons, Jon Knau and Jamie Britton; grandchildren, Allison Britton and Cael Britton; siblings, David (Barb) Knau, Windsor Heights, Meri (Jim) Marnanville, Clarinda; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, James H. Britton Jr.; parents, Craighton and Betty Knau.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 18 at the Indianola Country Club, 1610 Country Club Rd, Indianola, IA. Family requests memorials be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Greg's memory