Victor Knautz

VICTOR "RIP" KNAUTZ

Galena, Ill.

Victor G. "Rip" Knautz passed away on July 26, 2015, after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

Vic requested no funeral arrangements, but rather a celebration of his life. The celebration will take place from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Rec Park in Galena, Ill. Food will be provided and Dad requested a few games of horseshoes be played.

Vic was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Cowan; father, George Knautz; stepmother, Gwen Knautz; sister, Sally (Knautz) Cliff; and three nieces and one nephew.

He leaves behind his two brothers, Clyde Knautz (Gladys) and Keith Knautz (Cindy); one sister, Gayle Hefel (Knautz); his son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Amy Knautz, of Galena, Ill.; daughter and son-in-law, Tonya (Knautz) and Dennis Enright of Independence, Iowa; girlfriend, Donna Smock of Ryan, Iowa; grandchildren, Abby (Knautz) and Jimmy Kalmes, Tony Knautz, Megan Bourette, Amanda Knautz, Tiffany Knautz, Samantha Metz, Stephanie Heim, Jamie Bennett, Victor Knautz, Peyton Lolwing, Ashton Lolwing and Benton Enright; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Victor was born on Sept. 25, 1942. He loved his family and fishing on the Mississippi River. Vic was an avid Colts fan, traveling to annual Indy games with family. Victor was described by his children as a very strong and determined man, great dad, best friend, river rat and an avid Colts fan. Dad is no longer suffering or struggling with cancer. Heaven will be blessed with his presence! In Dad's final days, he told us "see you on the river..."

At this time, the family wants to thank hospice for caring for Vic over the past few years and the staff at Manor Care Center over the past days, while Vic fought a brave battle with cancer.