Arnold “Arnie” Knauf, of Yorkville, passed on to his heavenly kingdom on Tuesday, October 3 after a long illness. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, good humor, faith, and loving support for his family. Arnie always found good in every person and situation.
He married Shirley (Bargemann) on September 26, 1959 with whom he had five children: Karen Mueller of Yorkville, Brian (Lynn) Knauf of Aurora, Cindy (Greg) Edwards of Montgomery, Dennis (Julie) Knauf of Yorkville, and Marcia Teckenbrock of Sugar Grove; eleven grandchildren: Benjamin Knauf, Amanda (Greg) Volmert, Daniel Knauf, Celia Mueller, Derek (Amanda) Edwards, Kate Mueller, Nate Knauf, Taylor Knauf, Sarah Knauf, Kelly (Malik) Bins, and Alex Knauf; a great grandson, Malik Bins II, and a great granddaughter due in December.
The fifth of seven children, Arnie was born on February 11, 1937, to Celia (Rosenkranz) and Frank Knauf. He grew up in Aurora’s Pigeon Hill neighborhood, where he had many fond memories of playing tackle football and hockey on Sunday mornings. He graduated from East Aurora High School in 1955, where he lettered in track and field and went on to attend IIT in Chicago.
Arnie served in the U.S. Army reserves. He began his career as a draftsman/designer at Barber Greene and went on to work at Fermilab, from which he retired in 2002 after 14 years. Components that Arnie designed or contributed to have been used in high-energy physics experiments worldwide, including the Large Hadron Collider.
Arnie was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Yorkville. He gave of himself in many capacities. He volunteered for St. Patrick’s, most recently as part of the team serving meals for families of deceased parishioners. He had also been a CCD teacher, a member of the Yorkville Jaycees, a Cub Scout pack leader, a little league and junior miss softball team coach, an avid supporter of the Yorkville Judo Club, and even a Girl Scout cookie mom. He was also a regular blood donor.
Arnie enjoyed playing golf, horseshoes, cards, and spending time with family and friends. He loved the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, beer, and chocolate. Along with his wife, he attended countless ball games, judo and wrestling matches, concerts, plays, and charity events to support his children and grandchildren.
Arnie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Knauf; his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; his sisters, Lois Hershey, Marlene Gleason, and Judy Standiford; and his brother-in-law Carl (Lin) Bargemann, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Carol Vago, Ralph Knauf, and Jerry Knauf; and his mother-in-law, Bernice Regenold.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 9, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 406 Walnut Street, Yorkville, IL with Father Matthew Lamoureux M.I.C, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Bristol, IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 North Bridge Street, Yorkville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to St. Patrick’s Parish or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 630-553-7611.
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