Richard W. Knauss, Jr.

The man that all men should try to be. Richard William Knauss Jr was called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2015. Rick was many things to many people. He was Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Coach, Pastor and friend to many. He lived a full and happy life. Rick was born January 2, 1958 in Grand Rapids, MI at Butterworth hospital, and grew up in Middleville, MI where he graduated high school in 1977, 2 months later in the summer he married his loving wife Dianna (Cox) Knauss. Together they raised 3 children, with hard work and dedication. Rick worked over 13 years at Oven Fresh and then for several more years at Bentler Automotive while attending college. He found his true calling…trains in 1996. Rick had a passion for what he did and in 2013 accepted a treasury position within the union after 17 years as a Bridgeman for CSX railroad. Due to his many travels as the Midwest Safety Coordinator Chicago Division; Rick developed an uncanny sense for the best “hole in the wall” diners. He never met a meal he wouldn’t try. As he always said “How do you know you don’t like it if you don’t try it?” Rick is survived by his wife and soul mate of 37 years Dianna Jean Knauss. Rick truly loved spending time with his wife Dianna whether doing work in the yard, or spending time with family. They went on many road trips to Georgia, Florida, cross country in a convertible, and to Pennsylvania to visit the original Knauss Homestead. They also went together on a mission trip to Poland where they were able to travel near Germany where Rick could experience much of his ancestry. No matter what came at them they stood together like rocks, never wavering, a foundation strong enough to support and protect each other and their children. He is also survived by children: Benjamen and Laurie Knauss, Joshua Knauss, Sarah and Randal Merchant; grandchildren, Ashleigh, Christian, Onika, Paul, and Benny. For a daughter and sons he loved unconditionally and provided us with everything, and supported every moment from a shoulder to cry on, words of wisdom, or an ear to listen. A continuous act in our lives, from the lessons of riding a bike, fishing, treating other with respect, and showing us how to find salvation. He will continue to live on through his children by the example that he set and the life he had lived. This can also be seen in his grandchildren; in his grandsons willingness to try any food, tease with fun until everyone’s laughing, to be a debate partner for his granddaughter. Also in the calm moments cuddling with his granddaughter, and there was no doubt the youngest grandson is a Papa’s boy. For some people have no circle around them, some people have a circle large enough just for their family, Rick’s circle was so large that the ripples from his time on earth will continue on for Generations to come. Rick is also survived by siblings, Marcia and Ron Welton, Linda and Dan Frasier, Mark and Penny Knauss, Tammy Williams, Teresa and Jim Mullis, Randy and Rose Cox, Gary and Mary Cox, Barb and Ken Richards, Tammy Twiss, and Brad Cox; 26 nieces & nephews, and many great and great great nieces and nephews. Greeting him at the gates of Heaven were parents, Richard William Sr, & Shirley Knauss, mother and father-in-law, Leonard & Barbara Cox, and nieces Michelle Williams and Melissa Smith. A man amongst men, a man of integrity, wisdom, and humor. Many may look at Rick and wonder if they could be as good of a man. If he could, Rick would say “it all comes from the Grace of our Savior Jesus Christ. If you accept the gift of Christ you will unite with me again.” He’s the man that all men should try to be. We welcome all to join us in the celebration of Rick’s life on Saturday, May 30 at 3:00pm at The Springs Church, 135 N Grant St, Cedar Springs MI 49319. Luncheon to follow. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.