Gary Knaus Obituary

Gary E. Knaus

Jan 22, 1942 - Sep 23, 2025

Sandusky

Gary E. Knaus, 83, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025, at Riverview Nursing Home in Oak Harbor, after a brief illness.

Born January 22, 1942, in Sandusky, the son of Earl and Grace (Penn) Knaus. He was a 1960 graduate of Sandusky High School and later attended Bowling Green State University. In his youth, Gary sang in the youth choir and was a member and president of Lutheran League.

Gary was a veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he had joined with some of his very good friends. He received the Vietnam War Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and others.

Gary began his career with Western and Southern Life Insurance, now Western Southern Financial, in the 1960s and remained there for three decades, attending numerous production clubs and conventions. He was a member of NALU for 25 years. Later in 1997, he joined an old friend in Norwalk and worked for Carabin Insurance Company for 15 years before retiring in 2012.

Over the years, he enjoyed collecting coins, but he will be remembered for being an avid fan of The Ohio State University, Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers, which he enjoyed going to the games with his son David. He had also enjoyed playing cards with the Catri family and his old Marine Corps buddies.

Gary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Post No. 83, a life member of V.F.W. Hein Powell Post and past officer and life member of the U.S. Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1192, Eagles Aerie No. 444, NRA, F & AM Science Lodge No. 50, a 32nd Degree Mason, Valley of Toledo, and past president of Firelands Investment Club. Gary had also served as a representative for American Cancer Society in Perkins Township for a couple of years.

He is survived by a son, David Dax Earl Knaus of Medina; a special friend, Carol (Wagner) Catri; his sisters-in-law, Susan Knaus, Frances Scyoc, and Alice Knapp; his brothers-in-law, Harold Scyoc,Jr., Daniel Scyoc, Tom (Clare) Scyoc, and William (Donna) Scyoc; his nephews, John (Mellisa) Knaus, Scott (Donna) Scyoc, Earl (Christine) Knaus III, Timothy (Liz) Knaus, and Thomas Knaus; and nieces, Jennifer and Tina Knaus.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 42 years, Laura Lee (Scyoc) Knaus, September 28, 2006; and his sisters-in-law, Rose Richardson, Mary, and Eva.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, with Masonic services at 6:30 p.m. at David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, and from 10 a.m. until time of funeral serives at 11 a.m. Friday morning, October 3, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, with the Rev. Phillip A. Gardner officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Zion Lutheran Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Gary's family at davidfkoch.com.