William F. Knautz, 82, U.S. Army Veteran
William F. Knautz, 82, of Sheffield Lake, died Wednesday December 18, 2013 at Center Ridge Nursing Home in North Ridgeville while surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness.
He was born September 21, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois and had resided in the Sheffield Lake area most of his life.
William served with the US Army during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon with 2/Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
He worked at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Elyria retiring in 1984.
William was a life member of the AMVETS Post #55 and VFW Post #8686, both of Sheffield Lake and American Legion Post #211 in Avon Lake. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and gardening.
He is survived by his children Rose Forster (Ron) of Sheffield Village, Barbara Smithberger (Dennis) of Medina, Arlene Thompson (David) Laureen Williston (Eric) and Laura Knautz, all of Sheffield Lake, Robert Knautz (Linda) of Elyria and Dale Knautz of Sheffield Lake, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, brother Joseph Knautz of Lorain and sisters Esther Knautz and Paulette Bourne (Bernard) all of Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Knautz (nee Vilevac).
The family will receive friends Friday 2-4, 7-9 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 am in the funeral chapel. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery in Avon where the VFW Post #1079 of Elyria will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.