fbpx

Doris Knauff

Doris Jean (Gilbertson) Knauff, widow of John B. Knauff of St. Thomas University and the Carlson School of Management, died in Hudson on Sunday, Feb. 6, at the age of 80. Doris was born July 11, 1930, the daughter of Conrad and Esther Gilbertson. She was raised in Minneapolis, and graduated from Southwest High School in 1949. Following graduation, Doris worked as a secretary at Minneapolis Moline. On September 6, 1952, she married John B. Knauff at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Following his return from Korea, they settled first in St. Louis Park, and later in Minneapolis, where they raised their three children.

Doris was a very involved parent and church and community member. She volunteered in many capacities, from Girl Scout Leader to room mother to park volunteer. Once their children were grown, Doris was able to travel extensively with John through his work with Rosemount Engineering Company, and as an independent consultant. While he pursued his teaching career, she worked for an independent print shop. They moved to Hudson in the fall of 1986. Here, she became an officer of the Women’s Club, was very involved with her church, and was a dedicated supporter of the Phipps Center for the Performing Arts.

Doris did beautiful handwork (knitting, hardanger, quilting and more) and was always doing for others. She made and donated over 100 baby quilts a year over the last 18 years, even as she was more and more challenged by her COPD. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a truly kind and caring soul. She lived with great grace, integrity and commitment to her convictions.

Doris will be lovingly remembered by her children, Debra (Steve) Anderson of Hudson and John (Julie) Knauff of Coon Rapids; her grandchildren Laura (Nathaniel) Iverson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Thomas Knauff of Coon Rapids, Johannah Anderson of Duluth, and Erik Anderson, currently of Søgne, Norway; her sister Joan (Fred) Schnitzler of Bloomington, her nieces and nephews and other family. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Jo (Knauff) Ford, and her husband of 54 years, John.

A Celebration of Life for Doris Knauff will be at 2:00 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 11, Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St., Hudson, with Pastor Bob Bipes officiating. Burial will be at Willow River Cemetery with active pallbearers Laura and Nate Iverson, Thomas Knauff, Johannah, Erik and Steve Anderson, and Sam and Kevin Armstrong. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the church Friday afternoon and Thurs., Feb. 10, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 715-386-3725.

Memory

Send a note or share a memory
See all memories → There are no tributes yet, please leave a tribute below.

Share Obituary

Let others know about your loved one’s death

Facebook

Get Updates

Sign up for obituary notices to come right to your inbox →

Send a Note or Share a Memory

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *