Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Knaus Obituary
January 11, 1940 - December 14, 2025
With loving memories, we said goodbye to our husband, father and grandfather, Thomas "Tom" Knaus, Sr., also known to his construction buddies as "The Hog," who passed away at his home in Caledonia on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 85. Tom was born in Racine on January 11, 1940, to the late Gordon and Evelyn (née Balzer) Knaus. He graduated from Park High School and was a 50-year member of The Laborers' International Union of North America. Tom worked for Korndoerfer Construction until 1992, and James Cape and Sons before retiring in 2002. On January 17, 1970, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karen Nearing, who he met working at Korndoerfer Construction. Although he lived in Racine, his heart was always at the family cabin on Pine Lake in Forest County, where he loved to fish, hunt, and play cards with his cousins and friends. Tom is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Thomas (Tammy) Knaus, Jr. of Racine, and Kevin (Clover) Knaus of Janesville; his daughters, Kelly (Kylie) Knaus of Marine on St. Croix, Minn., and Kacy (Sean) Riley of Middleton; his grandchildren, Taylor, Ava, Eire and Griffin; his brother, Donald (Katherine) Knaus of Racine; along with other relatives and numerous friends. We would like to express our gratitude and love to our daughter and sister, Kacy, who took loving care of him during his final days.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com to share online condolences and memories of Tom. In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family suggests purchasing a lottery ticket and a fishing lure for yourself. Tom would want you all to win a jackpot and catch a big one.
WILSON FUNERAL HOME
1212 LATHROP AVENUE, RACINE, WISCONSIN
262-634-3361
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Knaus
1 Entry
tom christiansen
December 22, 2025
I met him in grade school and always liked Tom we gave each other tips on racehorses. He will be missed
How you can show support
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Knaus's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Knaus
People and places connected with Thomas
Racine, WI
Racine Journal Times
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas'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 Thomas Knaus'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
