Kenneth A. "Ken" Knauth

1949 - 2025

Watertown, WI - Kenneth Alan Knauth, 76, of Watertown, WI entered eternal glory with Christ on Saturday November 15, 2025.

He was born in Libertyville, IL on June 20, 1949 to parents Otto and Sarah (Morse) Knauth. He grew up on the family farm, showing pigs at 4-H fairs, and developing a passion for agriculture, animals, and gardening that carried throughout his entire life. He was also an avid gardener and fondly loved raising amaryllises.

Graduating from Adlai Stevenson High School (Prairie View, IL) in 1967, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Illinois at Champaign in 1971.

Ken became a child of God through Holy Baptism on January 12, 1969 and also spoke lifelong vows of faithfulness to Christ at his confirmation on the same day at University Lutheran chapel at the University of Illinois Champagne.

In 1974, he married Rebecca McCullough at St. John Lutheran Church in Libertyville, IL, and they raised two children.

After college he began working at Allied Mills Research Farm/Continental Grain in Libertyville, IL in the Dairy Research division, working his way up to Farm Manager, and was responsible for the company's relocation to Watertown, WI in 1988. In 1993, Ken changed jobs and worked at Frohling's Farm/Waupon Equipment until his retirement in 2016.

Throughout his married life, Ken served his church in many capacities, particularly as a choir member, an usher, and for most of that time treasurer. As a fervent supporter of Christian education, he volunteered for Lakeside Lutheran High School as a band trip chaperone and bus driver for both parades and trips as well as a bus driver for softball and basketball games.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family. He found joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Knauth; children Eric (Kelly) Knauth of Deland, FL, and Anna (Rick) Clohecy of Waukesha; grandchildren Kayley, Megan, Emily, Brittany, and Jax Clohecy, and Wyatt Knauth; brother Kurt (Betty) Knauth of Fort Myers, Florida; twin sister Ruth (Walter) Marcis of Greensboro, GA; sister Marie (William) Bittner of Albany, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Kathy Panek of Springfield, PA and brother-in-law Chuck McCullough of Grayslake, IL, along with many nephews, nieces, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Helen Beloof, Karl Knauth, and Louise Seiss.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown with Rev. Brett Brauer and Rev. Lucas Proeber officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI, Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI, or Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, WI. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. - Revelation 14:13