Obituary of Donald Floyd Knab

Donald Floyd Knab was born in LaSalle, Michigan on November 25, 1925.  He was one of four children born from the union of Harry Knab and Edith (Wagner) Knab.  He attended Monroe Public Schools graduating from Monroe High School with the Class of 1942.  From December of 1942 until February of 1944, Don was employed by Weiss Manufacturing Company in Monroe.  It was here that he originally honed the skills that were used throughout his life.    He assembled wood cabinets, business files, racks and bases in furniture factory using hand tools and glue and nails to fit pieces together.

Don enlisted in the United States Army proudly and honorably serving his country from February 25, 1944 until June 11, 1946 in the European Theatre as part of the 438^th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.  For his service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and the Expert Badge with Carbine Bar with Rifle Bar with Submachine Gun Bar.  He was a lifetime member of the Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3925. 

Don married the love of his life, the former Joyce Stark on June 25, 1950, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie.  The couple were blessed with the birth of seven children, and they shared twenty-nine glorious years together until her passing in 1979.  The couple enjoyed dressing up, going out, and having a good time.  Don was a jokester and a prankster.  He loved to smile and laugh and made sure those around him were cutting up too.

Don was a talented carpenter for sixty-seven years providing for his family as a member of the Carpenters Local and a licensed builder for fifty years operating Don Knab Builders, Inc.  His skilled and expert craftsmanship can still be seen throughout Monroe County.  Even after retirement he continued with his hobby of woodworking, building furniture and bird houses for himself, family, and friends.  He loved to share his knowledge, always trying to teach his skills and was especially responsive to his grandchildren.

Don stayed very active throughout his life. He gave to his community as a member of the Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department for thirty-four years.  His service included a long stint as the Fire Chief.  He retired in 1982 but continued till the present day as an Honorary Member.  He loved the outdoors and wherever he went loved bird watching.  He spent much cherished time at the Up North cabin near Harrison, Michigan hunting deer and squirrel.  Fishing was another favorite pastime.   He loved to make and share his homemade wine.

Although Don endured numerous health setbacks over the years.  He was an inspiration to many as he found a way to survive and thrive.

Donald Floyd Knab, age 97 of LaSalle passed away at 5:30am on Wednesday; August 30, 2023, at Wellspring Lutheran Services where he had been under ProMedica Hospice care for the past two weeks.  He had previously resided in Lambertville at Aspen Grove Assisted Living.  His passing was preceded by his parents:  Harry and Edith Knab; a son: Michael “Mick” Knab; two brothers: Lester “Bub” Knab and Darwood Knab; and a sister: Marguarite Cowan.

To cherish his memory he leaves two sons: Ronald Knab of Toledo and Timothy (Nancy) Knab of Erie; four daughters: Patricia (Tim) Weinstein of Lindsey, Ohio, Sue (Sam) Kinsey of Temperance, Michigan, Sherrie (Tim) DeSloover of LaSalle, and Robyn (Kurt) Hinen of Columbia City, Indiana, eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 3:00pm on Friday; September 1, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Ceremonial Fire Department walk through will take place at 3:00pm followed by a Celebration of His Life officiated by Pastor Mark Duerr of Trinity Lutheran Church.  Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie where graveside services will be under the auspices of Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3925.

Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Erie Township Firefighters Association.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.