Gerhardt Adolph Knautz, 75 passed away at home on Sunday, September 8, 2013, surrounded by his family.

Gerhardt was born in Kenosha, on January 22, 1938, the son of the late Adolph and Minnie (nee: Zeitz) Knautz.

Gerhardt served his country with the U.S. Army. Upon his return from the service he moved to Racine and was employed by the J.I. Case Co. for over 24 years. He received his pilot's licenses while flying out of the Sturtevant Airport. It was there he met his soon to be wife Joan Baer. They were married in 1960. He was an avid railroad buff, and was a model railroad enthusiast.

Surviving are his wife Joan; their 3 children; Douglas (Donna), Tom, and Karen; 6 grandchildren, Nathan, Daniel (Amy), Vanessa, Katie Lynn, Kimberly, and Kara; 5 great-grandchildren, Zakeriah, Elijah, Noah, Lincoln, and Lindsey; brother, Erich (Irmagard), sisters, Dorothy (Bob) and Charlotte (Chuck); as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Gerhardt was preceded in death by his brother, Richard, and sisters, Lillian (Vuin) and Ruth (Mack).

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday evening for a visitation from 4-6 p.m.  The celebration of his life and funeral service will take place in the funeral home on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with another visitation from 9-10 a.m. His burial with full military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. The family has suggested memorials to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice.