Gordon A. Knauss

May 10, 1910 - April 08, 2016

Gordon A. Knauss Obituary The song may have ended, but his music plays on. Gordon A. Knauss passed peacefully away on April 8th surrounded by his loving family and friends. Gordon was always a devoted family man. He was magnanimous and gentle, strong and committed. He taught us many life lessons, but the best education was instructed in subtle ways with the music of his charm. At 105 years, Gordon was a bridge between centuries, technologies, and American progress. While he was no stranger to struggle, Gordon let his humor be his guide and the calling card for relationships that lasted decades. Growing up in Tolna, North Dakota before moving to Spokane, Gordon was part of the first graduating class from West Valley High School. He worked in dairy and poultry before the crash in 1929 and the Great Depression. That's when he and his sweetheart, Kathryn, moved to California to find work at a dairy. During the height of the Depression, they found their way back to Spokane where Gordon began a long career with the Northern Pacific Railroad. After retirement from the railroad, he and Kathryn began a new journey making wooden toys and knitted items for sales at Craft Fairs over the next 20 years. His music plays on in the lives of his daughter Nancy; son Jim (wife Patricia); daughter-in-law Gloria; eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn and son Ralph. The entire family of Gordon Knauss would like to say thank you for the loving care and personal attention provided by all of the caregivers and staff at Sunshine Gardens over the past six years. And most especially for their time and loving care over the last days of his life. A Funeral Service will be held for Gordon on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 3:00PM at Heritage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers we ask that you please send donations in Gordon's name to Sunshine Gardens at 10410 E. 9th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99206. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gordon, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events APR 8