Erich Carl Knaak

Erich Carl Knaak was born on February 20, 1916 in Antrim Township, Watonwan County, MN to Oscar and Emelia (Arndt) Knaak. Erich was baptized at Trinity Lutheran church-Fieldon on March 19, 1916 and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County, MN on May 24, 1931. He attended School District 5 in Antrim Township and parochial school at Trinity Lutheran Church School. Erich worked on the family farm until 1939. On September 15, 1940 Erich was united in marriage to Ethel Baumgard. They made their home on the farm in Fieldon Township until 1974. Then they farmed in Pleasant Mound Township, Blue Earth County until retiring in 1977. Ethel died in 1999. Erich remained on the farm until his death. Erich was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church-Fieldon where he held numerous church offices. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and gardening. Erich died on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato. Erich is survived by two daughters, Juanita Levine and husband Harold of Kiester, MN, Marilyn Pierce and husband Robert of North Mankato, MN; five sons, Marlin Knaak and special friend Keiko Johnson of Madelia, MN, Darwin Knaak and wife Joan of Lewisville, MN, Raymond Knaak and wife Karen of Lewisville, MN, Dale Knaak and wife Beverly of Madelia, MN, Rodney Knaak of Gainsville, TX; fourteen grandchildren; twenty six great grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; two sisters, Orlanda Zellmer of Lewisville, MN, Malinda Reinke and husband Leo of Lewisville, MN and one brother, Oscar Knaak and wife Jane of Madelia, MN; one sister-in-law, Haiti Havenmeier of New Ulm and one brother-in-law, Melvin Baumgard and wife Dorothy of Vernon Center. Erich was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ethel; three brothers, Waldemar, Gerhard and Arnold; one brother-in-law, Alvin Havenmeier and one sister-in-law, Charlott Linquist.