John Knaack Obituary
John David Knaack, age 75, passed away on June 25, 2025, at Rennes Health Care in Appleton. John was born on November 16, 1949, to the late Melvin and Gertrude (Konkel) Knaack in Appleton. He grew up in Appleton and attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Following his educational pursuits, began a family and had daughter Jodi and son John. John was an owner and operator of John’s Car Clean-auto detailing. He also worked at Cruisin Auto which was his “pre-retirement” gig.
John was an Elvis fan and had a mischievous side, he even dressed up as Elvis occasionally. At one point, he even rode a motorcycle-though it seems that hobby and adventure was short-lived. He enjoyed going to the casinos and playing sheepshead with his family. He was always one for bringing dogs home-he had a soft heart for dogs that needed a home. He loved Christmas and would often load the cart up with surprises while his wife would remove them before the check-out lane. He enjoyed time spent at some of the local car shows, reading Stephen King books in bed, and watching wrestling.
He is survived by his daughter Jodi (Jose) Mendez, son John Knaack; his grandchildren: Ashley (Fabian) Martinez, Wendy (Nick) Thiel, Cody (Lauren) Mendez; Caitlyn, Brianna, and Austin Knaack; great grandchildren: Milani, Brayden and Harper; siblings: Marva (Ken) Uhlenbrauck, Jordan Knaack, and Brenda (Bill) Roberts. In addition, John is survived by Carol’s family who truly became his bonus children: Trisha (Ritchie) Zander, Brad Funk, Chad (Heather) Funk; and bonus grandchildren: Jacob Zander, Josh (Simran) Zander, and Kirsten (Mason) Funk as well as other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by the love of his life Carol Funk, his parents, grandson Dylan Mendez and brother Waldo Knaack, and sister Charlotte (Gerald) Bohl.
A memorial service for John will take place on Tuesday July 1, 2025, at 11:00am at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 9:00am until the service begins. John will be buried at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee.
John’s family would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Appleton 3rd floor for their exemplary care of John.
Dad
Thank you for always being here and believing in me no matter what.
-Jodi
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for John Knaack
Make a Donation
in John Knaack's name
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Knaack's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
