Joseph "Joe" Andrew Knaga

Joseph " Joe" Andrew Knaga lived 100 years of life to the fullest in his 76 years. He was born to Andrew and Angeline Knaga on August 17, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, and died, surrounded by those he loved, on November 17, 2023 in Morganton, North Carolina.

Joe was a serial entrepreneur and held titles of Realtor, builder, owner, bank VP and prison guard. He owned and ran campgrounds, car lots, and rec centers. He worked part-time for fun at Ace Hardware and Foothills Auction. He also served in the US Army from 1968 – 1970 and was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. His favorite part of every job was talking with people. Most would never guess his first language was Polish. He did not learn English until second grade.

His greatest sources of pride were his children and his dogs (not necessarily in that order). He deeply loved (and loved to brag about) his daughter, Christy, and husband Tim, and his son TJ, and wife Julie. He also adored his five grandchildren, Trey, Micah, Amelia, Lucy and Riggs. Joe has many other family members left to honor his memory: his biggest fan and sister, Terri, and her husband, Dennis. His cousins, Eva and Wes, Stan and Donna, Georgie and Sophie, and many nephews and nieces.

Joe was a generous man and was always up for a good time with friends. He enjoyed his 4 o’clock porch sits with his close friend, Guy and rarely missed a Friday afternoon pool game with Jeff, Phil and Alec. Joe had too many special friends to name everyone, but lived for auctions, poker nights, golf trips and anything that brought groups of good people together.

As he liked to remind everyone, Joe was the 1967 Illinois state championship slot car racing champion. He also held many bowling titles! He enjoyed biking, fast cars, sailing, hustling a game of pool, golfing, and vodka. Joe possessed the rare ability to turn a stranger into a lifelong friend. His infectious laugh and warming smile will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. He was the life of the party all the way until the end!

At Joe’s request, the family will hold a private Celebration of Life. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at PO Box 1726, Morganton, NC 28680. Joe was an avid animal lover and adopted multiple dogs from Burke County Friends for Animals. Donations in his honor can be sent to Burke County Friends for Animals 417 Kirksey Drive, Morganton, NC 28655 or Burke County Animal Services 425 Kirksey Drive, Morganton, NC 28655

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kirkseyfh.com for the Knaga family.