Joachim "Joe" Armin Knauf

Joachim “Joe” A. Knauf, 78, passed away November 27, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital.  He was born March 9, 1942 in Frankfurt, Germany to Paul and Irma Knauf.  In 1957, Joe’s family traveled from Amsterdam Harbor to New York City.  They lived in Kentucky and then Illinois. Joe became a US citizen in 1965.  In 1982, Joe moved to  South Bend to work at Mercedes Benz. In 1998, Joe married Nancy Zoncick, who survives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Jeremy and his brother Christoph Dickens.  Surviving are 2 children: Theresa Knauf (Dan) Wagner and Ron Knauf. Also, 2 stepchildren: Lisa (Dan) Lyvers,and Monica (Josh) Rohm.   5 grandchildren: Carly, Kacy, Betsey, Ben and Krystal.  He also had 2 great-grandchildren.  Other Family members include sister, Lisa (Fred) Schuck; brother, Reiner Dickenscheid of Germany; sister-in-law, Karen Dickens, and 3 nephews.

Joe was very proud of his 25 plus years as a Reserve County Police Officer.  Joe loved airplanes.  He loved to fly and attended air shows with his friends.  Nancy and Joe loved their travel destinations and the friends they made in Siesta Key, Puerto Vallarta, and Alaska.  He was a proud member of American Legion 303, Marine Corp League and F.O.P. #155. A special thank you goes out to Kim Delcourt for all her love and support.

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Pius X Church, 52533 Fir Rd., Granger, IN, 46530.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.