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Karen Knauer Obituary
Aug 14, 1946 - Jan 24, 2026
Sandusky
Karen Holbrook Knauer, 79, residing in Sandusky, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, after a courageous battle against cancer.
Karen was born August 14, 1946, in Winchester, Virginia, to the late Nelson and Helen (Miller) Holdbrook. She grew up in Bluefield, West Virginia.
Karen graduated from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Her graduate work was completed at Bowling Green State University. After her family, her greatest love were her students. She was a teacher for Sandusky City Schools for over 30 years, she supervised many student teachers, served on several state committees, and was honored with the Martha Holden Jennings Award for Excellence in teaching. Karen was a member of Huron Jr. League, Delta Kappa Gamma and College Women's Club. After retirement, she greatly enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, monthly dinners with her Westwind group and her music.
Karen is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Gary Knauer, whom she married December 19, 1970. She is also survived by her two children, Chad and Jennifer; three beloved grandchildren, Skylar, Spencer and Vayda; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by her two brothers, Duane and Dwight.
Private family services will be at a later date. The family has entrusted Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory with arrangements.
Those wishing to contribute to Karen's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Knauer
Sponsored by Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory - Sandusky Chapel.
Vayda Knauer
January 28, 2026
My nana was the sweetest person I ever knew. She´ll forever be in my heart and I don´t think I´ll ever move on from loosing her.
Beth Frank
January 27, 2026
Karen was so sweet and an awesome teacher. My condolences to her family.
Dr. Bonnie Berkley Pigman
January 26, 2026
Karen was that teacher who always went above and beyond in meeting individual students´ needs. She was loved by her students and respected by her colleagues.
amiee
January 26, 2026
To the family of Karen Knauer,
I'm send my condolences to the family of a wonderful teacher for their loss.
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Dr. Bonnie Berkley Pigman
January 26, 2026
Karen was that teacher who went above and beyond to met her students individual needs. She was beloved by many who were fortunate to have her as "their teacher!"
Beverly Kincaid Sanna
January 26, 2026
I will always cherish my memories from college and our TriSigma reunions. With much love and condolences to Gary and the family
Brenda Wagner King
January 26, 2026
We were Wagner cousins and just renewed our friendship the last few years. I enjoyed your lively beach pictures and learning about your family. I will never forget our time together when we were much younger. Rest in peace, dear cousin....
Candy Hess-Huff
January 25, 2026
Sweet Karen, cannot believe you are gone. We were quite close for awhile & shared many fun things & a few secrets b/t us!! You will be missed, Love. I wish I had known you were ill. God Bless your family as they adjust to this huge loss!
Linda Parmer
January 25, 2026
Karen and I taught together for 30 years at Venice Heights Elementary in Sandusky. She was also my DKG sister and she was part of our Venice Retirees Lunch group. We shared many memories together at school..Olympic Days and Sock Hop parties. I also remember many pool parties at the house in Village Court and being together for Murder Mysteries years ago. May Gary and the rest of the family hold onto all those memories of Karen until they are reconnected at their Heavenly Home. Amen Linda Parmer
Dr. James W. Chapple
January 25, 2026
Dear Gary, Chad and Jennifer,
Karen was truly an amazing woman! A wonderful wife, mother, an incredible teacher and a long-time friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Know you are surrounded by many friends.
Sincerely
Jim Chapple
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