Bernard "Bernie" Charles Knauff

Bernie Charles Knauff was born December 3, 1943 in St. Paul, MN. To Henry & Florence Knauff. He grew up and attended schools in Hugo and Forest Lake, graduating from Forest Lake High School in 1962. Bernie was married to Janet Belshaw; August 22, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Forest Lake, MN. The couple made their home in Forest Lake raising three children; Scott, Brady and Brandy. In the late 1990’s, Bernie moved to Pine City where he enjoyed many new friends and became active in a men’s bible study group at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. He spent the majority of his work life as an over the road truck driver. After retirement, Bernie worked for Cavallin Ford of Pine City, exchanging vehicles between dealerships and picking up vehicles at auctions. Bernie’s other interests included, a profound love for Pine City, an interest in John Deere Tractors and gardening. He also enjoyed Saturday breakfasts at the Rock Creek Café, driving his scooter around town and critiquing boat removal at the Snake River boat landing by the fairgrounds. Bernie had a long standing love affair with the Red Lake area where he would often travel to visit friends. Bernie died very unexpectedly, November 10, 2010, at his home in Pine City, MN. at the age of 66 years. Bernie is survived by his wife Jan; children; Scott (Debbie) Knauff of Wyoming, Brady Knauff of Cambridge, Brandy (Gary) Hayes of North St. Paul; grandchildren; Dustin (Laura) Knauff of Wyoming, MN, Chris Knauff of Cambridge, MN, Taylor & Adam Hayes of North St. Paul, MN; sister Lois (Gene) Gilman of Livingston,TX; Kathy (Jerry) Minder of St. Croix Falls, WI, brothers; Henry Knauff of North Branch, MN; Edward Knauff of Barstow, CA, Tom (Sharon) Knauff of Wyoming, MN, many nieces and nephews. Rev. Ron Boettner officiated at funeral services; 2 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 16, 2010) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Casket bearers included John Oare, Tom Cavallin, Lyndon Hagestuen, Norm Opheim, Jerry Tschida, Don Lund, Steve Hallan and Dave Mettler with the interment in the Hilltop Cemetery of Pine City