Ronald E. Kniess, 76, of Rochester Township passed away under the care of Curahealth, Brighton Township, on August 18, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born December 3, 1942 in Butler, the son of the late Merle and Ruby (Shiever) Kniess.
Ron, as he was known by family and friends, served his country with the U.S. Army Reserve during the Vietnam War. He was a Mason and member of the St. James Lodge, F. & A.M., in Beaver; and attended Westminster United Presbyterian Church, New Brighton.
Ron was retired from Stroehmann Bakery, where he worked for 33 years; first as a delivery driver, and then as a supervisor. After retirement, he worked part-time delivering auto parts for Main Auto in Bridgewater.
He enjoyed taking road trips throughout the United States with his wife. They also shared a passion for NASCAR racing and were thrilled to attend races in six different states. Charlotte Motor Speedway was among their favorites. Most of all he loved being with his family. They treasured their time together, whether boating on the river aboard his “Alyssa” or gathered together for family occasions or holidays. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grand pap and great grand pap.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, James Colteryahn.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Norene (Mackrell) Kniess; a daughter, Renee (Rick) Markovich of Claysville; two sons, Brian Kniess of Rochester and Aaron Kniess of New Brighton; three granddaughters, Rachel (Chris) Lenhart, Heather (Paul) Weinheimer and Holly (Rafi) Cruz; five great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Devylin Lenhart, Zoie and Emilie Weinheimer and Harleen Cruz; a sister, Elaine Colteryahn of Prospect; two brothers, DuWayne (Kay) Kniess of South Carolina and Terry (Linda) Kniess of Nevada; a sister-in-law, Lauryl (Steve) Spence of Sarver; two brothers-in-law, Niles Mackrell of California and Gordon (Marge) Mackrell of Portersville; He will be sadly missed by all of his family.
A memorial service to remember, honor and celebrate his life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2019 at SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com
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