Kraig Donald Knacke

Kraig Donald Knacke, of Gaylord, MN (formerly of New Auburn, MN), passed away at his home unexpectedly on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Glencoe, MN. Kraig was baptized on February 11, 1945, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Auburn, MN, and was confirmed into his faith there as well on March 22, 1959. Kraig attended school in New Auburn and Glencoe graduating from Glencoe High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1968. During his time in the Marine Corps, he served in the Vietnam War, in both Vietnam and stateside. While stateside, he served two different roles, one as a personal escort for the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, Wallace M. Greene, Jr., and also as an escort for the deceased to represent the Marine Corps, honor the fallen, and support their loved ones. Kraig spent countless hours caring for the families of the fallen and tending to the military details related to the funeral services and interment. Often times, this meant sleeping at the family home or at the funeral home near the decedent. He even made it into Life Magazine while on duty in Ohio, sadly though, for the services of a soldier. While in the Marines, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), the National Defense Service Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooter badge.

While in the Marines, Kraig married Vanna Sprengeler on October 22, 1966 in New Auburn, MN. They began their married life in San Francisco, CA, where Kraig was stationed. That is where their first child, Troy, was born. In 1968, they moved back to Minnesota to be near family and that is where Michelle, Clinton, and Melinda were born.

Early in life, Kraig had various jobs but mostly he was a career truck driver. Over the years, Kraig was a member of the New Auburn Fire Department and New Auburn VFW Post 7266. He has been a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn.

First and foremost, Kraig was a dedicated family man. He loved his people beyond measure. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. He did not miss many of his grandchildren's sports and other activities. He was even known to get vocal at some of Claire’s basketball games. Of all things he wanted, he wanted to be with his family and irresistibly adored his great grandchildren.

Kraig was an outdoorsman and loved nature. He supported many conservation efforts. Kraig could make the sounds of nearly every animal or bird known to any Minnesotan. He also had the train horn down very well. Well enough to cause mass panic in the car when crossing over railroad tracks. As a young man, Kraig loved time spent with family fishing and other shenanigans at the cabin on Star Lake. He was also an avid hunter of duck, goose, and deer. He cherished time spent hunting with his sons and, in earlier years, it meant time with other relatives too who enjoyed the sport just as much as he. High Island Lake was the place to be for ducks! Kraig spent much time researching ammunition and guns, attempting to find the best all-around rifle. Yet, on this first elk hunt in Montana with Troy, Clint, Ty, and David, he arrived with a new scope on his gun, never sighted in! The White Sulphur Springs, Montana, Sheriff helped setup a last minute rifle range to sight it in. Only Dad!

Not everyone knows this but Kraig was very strong and steadfast in his faith. He didn’t care for showing up at church on Sunday, instead he read the bible every single day. As a matter of fact, his bible was read front to back more times than anyone can count. He prayed and counted his blessings daily. He could tell you which television evangelists who preached the Word correctly and those that didn’t. Kraig’s bible had numerous notes in it relating to a nagging wife, eating and drinking too much, or verses that previous employers should read. Guaranteed, his family has been chuckling about some of them these last few days.

Kraig was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Vanna; parents, Herman and Myrtle; brother, Roger (Kathleen); mother-in-law, Ordell; fathers-in-law, Vernon, Glen; nephew, Jason; great nieces, Makaila, Allyson.

He is survived by his four children, Troy (Sheila), Michelle (David) Rischmiller, Clinton (Michelle), Melinda (Dean) Lemke; grandchildren, Larissa (Benjamin), Claire, Tory, Ty, Brooke, Kayla; step-grandchildren, Amanda (Mike), Jennifer (Joey), Zachary (Jill), Dylan (Kenzie), Alexis; great grandchildren, Eleanor, Benjamin, William, Bernadette; step-great grandchildren, Izabella, Scarlett, Harlem, Houston, Jack, Lucas, Johnny, Hadley, Max, Ridge, Hudson; sisters, Kathleen (James) Ringo, Faye Ryan; nieces and nephews, Nicole, Karla, Jolene, Krystal, Paul, Jane, Jeff.

Funeral Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn, MN, on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:30am. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30am. Interment with military honors to follow the service at High Island Lake Cemetery, New Auburn, MN. Luncheon at the church following interment. Serving as pallbearers are Troy Knacke, Clint Knacke, Ben Eberhard, Ty Knacke, Zach Rischmiller, Paul Ringo, and Jeff Ryan.

Kraig loved the color green and bright colors so please arrive in your most colorful attire.