Douglas “Doug” A. Knautz, 62, of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 6th, after a long battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. He was a hard-working man with a great love for his family and the outdoors. Doug was born August 27, 1962, to Joan and Gerhardt Knautz in Racine, Wisconsin.
Doug met the love of his life, Donna Rzepka through his work at Intermatic, where he worked for 28 years. He also spent his later years at a few jobs, including Aptar for 7 years and Rehrig Pacific for a year before he became too sick to work anymore. He was well-known as a great friend who was gracious with his time and would go out of his way to help anyone who asked.
Doug loved spending time with his family and friends. He especially had a deep love for metal detecting, which he shared with his son, Nathan, and his grandson, Lincoln, where he called his favorite spots his “honey holes” and finds were his “treasures.” He took great pride in working on projects around his house and yard. He also enjoyed traveling to visit his son, Daniel, in the U.S. Air Force across the many states that he was stationed and enjoyed many adventures across the U.S. including a long list of state and national parks. Additionally, he took pleasure in his annual trips to Cranberry fest, all the local fairs, attending Milwaukee Brewers games and Green Bay Packer games with his daughter, Vanessa, as well as spending time at family get togethers. He loved spending time with his grandkids that knew him as grandpa or “papa.”
Doug is survived by his wife, Donna, of 35 years, his 3 children, Nathan (Tyrha), Daniel (Amy), and Vanessa (Jordan), as well as his 6 grandchildren, Zakeriah, Elijah, Noah, Lincoln, Trenton, and his 1 precious granddaughter, Aria. He is also survived by his mother, Joan, his brother Tom (Tammy), and his sister Karen, along with many additional relatives, friends, and dog “Tucker.” Doug was preceded in passing by his father, Gerhardt.
A visitation and celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 12:00PM until 4:00PM at Haase- Lockwood Funeral Home and Crematory 620 Legion Dr. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Those attending are welcome to join the family at the reception. The attire will be business casual or your favorite Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks or Wisconsin Badgers shirt or jersey.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Haase Lockwood Funeral Home, Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and the Aurora Hospice Care who graciously and selflessly took care of Doug in his final days. Individuals are more than welcome to send flowers to the Haase Lockwood Funeral home.