Elfred H. “Al” Knaust, age 93, of Joplin,, passed away on Sunday, April 5, at his home in Silver Creek. He was born in Hoberg, Mo, the son of the late Herman and Erna Pietsch Knaust. Al was an army veteran of World War II serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. Wounded on the Island of Luzon in the Phillipines, Al received the Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars among other medals and citations. He was a life member of the DAV and a 68 consecutive year member of the American Legion Post 419 in Freistatt, MO.
On August 7 of 1949, he married the love of his life, Janet Backs of Lockwood, MO, and began a partnership of 65 plus years. He began working for Empire District Electric in Monett, MO, where he and Janet made their home and started their family before transferring to Joplin in 1956. After 36 years with Empire, he retired to enjoy spending time with his family and most especially with his grandchildren, Karl Koelker, high school teacher and head coach in Rusk, TX; Dr. Kristopher Koelker and his fiancee, Ashley Haas of Allen, TX; Kyle Koelker, dental surgical assistant of Lucas, TX; and Brooke Knaust, pharmacy regulatory specialist of St. Louis, MO.
Al also loved all sports both as a spectator and a participant. He pitched baseball from childhood into his 60's, as well as rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Passing on the tradition of team sports, he coached Little League baseball and Church softball teams for years. Bowling with his League buddies became the sport of choice after baseball which he enjoyed through the spring of last year.
Spending time in the outdoors in general, hunting and fishing in particular held a special place in his heart. He was still hunting at the age of 90, that year killing his deer by stalking it through the woods. His kinship with his farm background shone through his beautiful gardens known for harvests shared with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Janet, and son, Jerry, of the home; Merlin Knaust of Webb City; Sheryl Koelker and husband Karl (Luddy), of Lucas, TX; Shirley McGrew of Franklin, TN, his 4 grandchildren, brother William, and his wife Ruth, of Joplin, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his two sisters, Flora and Rose Marie, and his brothers, Raymond and Edward.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Pastor Gregory Mech officiating. Private interment will be made with full military honors. The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday, April 9, from 6-8 pm.
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