Clarence “Hank” Knaus passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Growing up, Hank was rarely without a baseball glove or bat. Clarence “Hank” Knaus earned his nickname from Hank Greenberg, famous first baseman for the Detroit Tigers in the 1930s and 40s. Hank played varsity baseball and basketball and after graduating from Wellsboro High School in 1948, he joined the army. He was stationed in Kobe, Japan, during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, he returned home and attended Lycoming College under the GI Bill, where he was a member of Theta Chi and met his beautiful wife, Joan. They were married in 1955.
Hank and Joan approached life together as a true team, always staying busy. From tackling many moves to different cities while raising their family to enjoying traveling to new places in retirement. They bowled in leagues together, belonged to a bridge club in Williamsport, and would host friends for Pinochle or Bridge in their home.
Hank loved being outdoors—golfing locally in Williamsport and in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where he and Joan spent their winters, fishing in Florida and along Pine Creek near Cammal, and hunting with his father in his earlier years. He shared his love for baseball with his children when they were growing up near Philadelphia, taking them to watch the Phillies. He also loved to watch football and was a loyal Eagles fan, even when they were bad.
With great love and enthusiasm for his family, Hank was always the first one to suggest a game– dominoes, cards, poker, Sequence, or anything that brought everyone together, especially the grandkids. He loved mini golf, par-3 courses, gardening, flying kites and trips to the beach with them.
Faith was a steady and guiding presence in Hank’s life. It gave him peace, courage and confidence, and he hoped that sense of assurance would be passed on to those he loved. He lived without fear, grounded in his belief in both life and what lies beyond.
A wonderfully long and productive life, Hank was proud of his family, his grandchildren, his upbringing and work ethic. He knew how to have fun, and he provided in abundance for all, especially for Joan.
Hank is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Joan Thompson Knaus of Montoursville and recently of Mechanicsburg, his children Sharon Johnson and husband Johnny, of Fredericksburg, Va., Gregory L. Knaus and wife LeeAnne of Allentown, Pa., and Tracy Hoy and husband Robert Jr., of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Five grandchildren: Ashley Hamlin and husband Sean of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Stephanie Randall and husband Zach of Allentown, Pa., Alexander Mendoza and wife Samantha of Grand Rapids, Mich., Gregory R. Knaus of Allentown, Pa., and Emily Mendoza and husband Mark Wagner of Pittsburgh, Pa. Also a great-granddaughter Alessandra Hamlin of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Surviving is a sister Dawn Kitson of New Tripoli, Pa. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Knaus and Gary Knaus, and a grandson Sean Knaus.
A memorial service will take place Thursday, January 22, at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1400 Market St., Williamsport. Family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. A service will begin at 11 a.m.; burial will follow with military honors accorded by Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County at Wildwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pine Creek Preservation Association, PCPA Secretary, PO Box 11, Waterville PA 17776, or St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1400 Market St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
