Martha Knochenhauer

1927 - 2023

Martha Knochenhauer
April 11, 1927 - November 30, 2023
Martha Knox Knochenhauer died peacefully on November 30, 2023 in San Mateo, Calif. at the age of 96. Martha was a generous and loving wife, mother, grandmother, colleague, teammate, and friend to many.
Born April 11, 1927 to Homer and Sibylla Knox in Columbus, Ohio, Martha and her twin brother, Dave graduated from The Ohio State University, where she majored in English and Physical Education. She married her high school sweetheart, James D. Knochenhauer, in 1949 and was married for 51 years before his passing in 2000.
Martha was a devoted mother to eight children and somehow made it look easy. She embraced life and, in the words of one grandchild, was an "absolute delight." She was PTA president, a proud alumna of her Alpha Phi sorority, and active in other civic organizations. Her love for children's education was evident in her dedication as an auxiliary P.E. teacher at Beresford Park and Sunnybrae schools for nearly three decades. Creative and bright, she was an avid reader, crossword enthusiast, Rummikub champion, seamstress, and talented watercolor artist. She was also a lifelong blood and platelet donor through the American Red Cross.
Martha was a founding member of the San Mateo Master Marlins, with whom she swam well into her eighties. Her exploits included swimming the Golden Gate Bridge and annual Trans-Tahoe Relay, earning the title of U.S. Open Water Swimming Champion and numerous other national titles along the way – always sans wetsuit!
A dedicated friend, Martha sustained lifelong friendships with Parkside and Sylvan Avenue neighbors, North High School and Ohio State classmates, and Masters Swimming teammates.
Martha was loved and admired by her children, Allan Fung (husband of the late Peggy), Dave and Maggi Knochenhauer of Redwood City; Tom and Luz Knochenhauer of San Diego; Rick and Patti Knochenhauer of Santa Rosa; Jay and Machelle Knochenhauer of Grand Haven, Mich.; Fritz Knochenhauer of San Mateo; Katie and Mike Weinberg of St. Louis, Mo.; and Laura and Dave Cence of Evergreen, Colo; plus 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Martha was preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 51 years; daughter, Peggy; and twin brother, David Knox.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in San Mateo.
The Knochenhauer family is especially grateful to Maria Comfort and her staff at The Haven at 22nd in San Mateo for their kind and generous care for the past four and a half years and to Kaiser Hospital Hospice for their support and treatment.
Donations to honor Martha may be made to:
Samaritan House of San Mateo
4031 Pacific Blvd.
San Mateo, Calif. 94403