Daris Knauer
September 3, 1930 - November 3, 2024
LINCOLN — Daris Knauer, 94, of Lincoln, IL, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at St. Clara's Rehab and Senior Care.
Daris was born September 3, 1930, in St. Peter, IL, the son of William and Elnora (Storck) Knauer. He married Emma Lou Behm on January 6, 1957, in Lincoln, IL.
Daris is survived by his wife, Emma; his children: Pam (Brian) Fuiten of Lincoln, Mike (Debbie) Knauer, and Jeff (Nancy) Knauer of Springfield; his grandchildren: Chris Fuiten, Jamie Schrader, Adam Knauer, Ally Bradley, Mason Knauer, and Kendall Knauer; his great-grandchildren: Evalyn and Avery Schrader, Duke Bradley, and Amelia Fuiten. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Carol) Knauer of Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Wallace, Floyd, and Darrell Knauer.
Having attended parochial school in St. Peter, IL, Daris was very involved in the Lutheran Church, LCMS. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln where he taught Sunday School for 50 years, served as an elder and usher, and was a longtime member of Lutheran Laymen's League. Daris was also an integral part of working to secure property for Zion Lutheran School.
Daris dutifully served his country in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.
In 1959 Daris opened Lincoln Radiator and Power Equipment which he owned and operated with Emma for 50 years selling Wheel Horse, Lawn Boy, Toro, and Stihl equipment.
Daris was also very involved in his community. In 1970 he was instrumental in starting the Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival to recognize Lincoln's ties to our 16th President. Daris and several members of the festival participated in the movie The Awakening Land in 1978. Daris was voted Lincoln Courier Man of the Month in 2011.
Services for Daris will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, IL. A time for visitation will take place two hours prior to the service (9 to 11 a.m.) also at the church. Burial will follow his services at Zion Cemetery, where full Military rites will be accorded by the Lincoln American Legion Post #263. Memorial donations may be made in Daris' name to Zion Lutheran Church or School. Services have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, IL.
