Thomas John Knaus Sr.'s Obituary
With loving memories, we said goodbye to our husband, father and grandfather, Thomas “Tom” Knaus Sr., also known to his construction buddies as “The Hog,” passed away at his home in Caledonia on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 85.
Tom was born in Racine on January 11, 1940, to the late Gordon and Evelyn (née Balzer) Knaus. He graduated from Park High School and was a fifty-year member The Laborers’ International Union of North America. Tom worked for Korndoerfer Construction until 1992, and James Cape and Sons before retiring in 2002.
On January 17, 1970, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karen Nearing, who he met working at Korndoerfer Construction. Although he lived in Racine, his heart was always at the family cabin on Pine Lake in Forest County, where he loved to fish, hunt, and play cards with his cousins and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Thomas (Tammy) Knaus Jr. of Racine, and Kevin (Clover) Knaus of Janesville; his daughters, Kelly (Kylie) Knaus of Marine on St. Croix, MN, and Kacy (Sean) Riley of Middleton; his grandchildren, Taylor, Ava, Eire and Griffin; his brother, Donald (Katherine) Knaus of Racine; along with other relatives and numerous friends.
We would like to express our gratitude and love to our daughter and sister, Kacy, who took loving care of him during his final days.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home from 10:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. A private burial will be held at a later date. Please visit https://www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com to share online condolences and memories of Tom.
In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family suggests purchasing a lottery ticket and a fishing lure for yourself. Tom would want you all to win a jackpot and catch a big one.
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