Joseph C. Knuth

JOSEPH C. KNUTH March 20, 1942 - April 4, 2015 Joseph C. Knuth, age 73 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Bloomington, IL, peacefully passed into eternal life on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the CHI St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. Joe was born on March 20, 1942 in Bloomington, IL to William and Hazel (Nelson) Knuth. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School through the eighth grade and then went on to attend the Normal Community High School from where he graduated with the Class of 1960. On June 15, 1962, Joe was united in marriage to his first and only love, Kay Peterse n and they were blessed with a daughter, Melinda. Joe devoted most of his working life to building a family monument business in Bloomington. He acquired great skill in cutting, polishing and artistically engraving cemetery monuments which were erected throughout the region. In 1999, he sold the monument business and in 2001 fulfilled a life long dream of moving to the north woods of Minnesota and residing in God's country. He and Kay purchased the Emmaville store which they operated until their retirement in 2010. Joe loved the out doors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He appreciated German music and enjoyed playing the accordion. He was a former member of the Peoria Accordion Club. In fact his interest in accordions was so vast, he operated an accordion repair business right out of his home for many years. Joe dedicated his life to his family and taught his daughter and grandchildren the value of working hard and taking care of what you have. After moving to Minnesota he became a member of the Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church of Nevis and was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus. Above all, Joe loved his precious wife, Kay, his daughter and his grandchildren with all his heart and soul. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kay of Park Rapids; his daughter, Melinda (Phil Moss)Brouillette of Park Rapids; his four grandchildren: Sheena (Matt) McDonald of Normal, IL , Cote Brouillette in the United States Air Force serving in Okinawa, Japan, Sheree (Levi) Bauer of Bloomington, IL and Dakota Brouillette of Park Rapids; his two dearly loved great grand daughters: Molly and Eliana; his sister, Jennifer (Jack) Raper of Bloomington, IL as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Nevis with Father Tony Fernando officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior at the church. The casket bearers will be: Sheena McDonald, Sheree Bauer, Dakota Brouilette, Phil Moss, and John DeVault. Honorary casket bearers will be Cote Brouillette, Matt McDonald, Levi Bauer and James D. Raper, Sr. Interment will be made in the Lakeview Cemetery of Nevis. Following the service, the Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Guild will host a luncheon for all. To view the online video or to leave on line condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com.