Joseph L. Knouse

HOWLAND - Joseph L. Knouse, born August 4, 1932, in Trumbull County, Ohio, the son of the late Dorothy (Brown) and Louis T. Knouse Sr., passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man whose kindness, gentle spirit, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He valued hard work, learning, and doing the right thing, and he lived his life guided by those principles.

A proud graduate of Girard High School, Class of 1950, Joseph went on to attend Youngstown State University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education, as well as his Principalship. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a weather forecaster during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Joseph dedicated his life to education. He spent many years as a respected seventh- and eighth-grade teacher and girls' basketball coach, teaching at Beloit West Branch, Clark County–Las Vegas, and Warren City Schools (Turner), retiring in 1989. He was known not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for the care, encouragement, and guidance he provided to his students and athletes.

In addition to his career in education, Joseph worked as a meat cutter at Ruggiero's Food Market in Girard and at U.S. Steel in McDonald. During summer breaks from school, he painted houses alongside several fellow teachers-work he took pride in and friendships he cherished.

Joseph was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Helen, and together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty. He had a great sense of humor and a kind, gentle way about him. Above all else, he loved his family with all of his heart, and that love will continue to guide and comfort those he leaves behind.

He found great joy in life's simple pleasure, especially spending time on the golf course at the bowling alley or around a table playing cards whether he was perfecting his swing lining up a strike or enjoying a friendly card game. These moments reflected his love for camaraderie, good competition and shared laughter.

Besides his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen (Schwartz) Knouse; his son, Donald W. Suttelle; his son-in-law, Robert Hafley; and his brother, Dr. Louis Knouse Jr.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy "Dot" Mueller of Oak Harbor, Washington; sister-in-law, Ann Knouse of Naples, Florida; sons Robert (Pam) Knouse of Palmdale, California, and Mark (Britt) Knouse of Holly Springs, North Carolina; daughters Diane Hafley of Howland and Lori (Harry) Stull of Howland; grandchildren Dustin (Sarah) Knouse, Burt (Cindy) Kelly, Seth Knouse, Lance Knouse, Reese Knouse, Jennifer (Rich) Bundy, Mandi (Eddie) Kuhn, Brandi (Stull) Battison, Brooke (Bryan) Melvin, and great-grandchildren Ely Kelly, Mordekai Knouse, Patrick Bundy, Dominic Kuhn, Taylor Kuhn, Zoe Nalbach, Talia Fadem, Troy Battison, Travis Battison, Brylee Melvin, Blakely Melvin.

Calling hours will be held at Staton-Browski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio, on Sunday, February 1st, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Monday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with funeral services immediately following the Monday calling hours. Interment will take place at Howland Township Cemetery.

The family was truly blessed with wonderful caregivers (our earthly angels) over the last five years. We would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers that spent his last year with him, Molly Weems, Claudia Reinhart, Jaimie Nelman, and Paige Uthe. Their love, dedication, compassion, and kindness became a true blessing to our family.

Joseph will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com .