William "Jerry" Knauf

William Gerald (Jerry) Knauf

Born August 17, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio to Werner Knauf and Marth (Doyle) Knauf. He was a loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He recently celebrated his 84th birthday with his family at a party in his honor. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Flower Hospital after complications from pneumonia on September 3, 2025

He married on October 9, 1959 and spent 54 years with the love of his life Joyce (Fredrick) Knauf. He is reunited with his parents, wife and their son Ronald. He is survived by his sister Sharon Griffin, two daughters Debora Runckel (Michael) and Holly Clapp (Timothy). His seven grandchildren Brandon Runckel (Sarah), Nicholas Runckel, Michaela Joy Runckel, Samantha (Knauf) Steinke, Sarah Knauf, Gregory Clapp and Gabrielle Clapp along with four great grandchildren; all of whom he and his wife invested in their lives and educational needs. He will be truly missed by all, but we will always remember his awesome smile along with the care he showed toward us and his involvement in our lives.

Growing up he attended Macomber High School where along with his education he participated in a skilled trades program that helped him in landing a job at AP Parts where he worked until retiring at any early age. Along with working in the plant making mufflers he started and ran a successful porcelain and ceramic mold business, De-Lite Products Company, with Joyce for over 35 years. They owned their own shop and would travel to trade shows all over the United States where they enjoyed the friendships that they made along the way.

He was an avid card player, somewhat of a gambler with his favorite games being Omaha & Texas Hold’em, and loved to bet on the ponies. He leaves behind and will be deeply missed by many of his poker, euchre, and pinochle buddies here and in Florida where he was a yearly snow bird. Many whom jokingly complained about him always taking their money. He was always excited about the next time he would get to play with them again. As for the ponies, he visited Raceway Park and other horse tracks in the area throughout his life. He even owned two horses; Medicine Hat and Shooter Scooter, who put him in the winner circle more than once. He loved all sports with his favorite being hockey. He regularly rooted for the Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We will celebrate his life with a memorial service at Newcomer Funeral Home located at 4150 W. Laskey Road in Toledo, OH on Wednesday, September 24th from 3-7PM. All that knew him and wanted to pay their respects along with sharing some stories with us are welcome to attend. A private service with be held at his final resting place at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania OH. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or Humane Ohio in Toledo in his memory.