John Knosalla

John Knosalla, 70, of Staples, MN passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples, MN. Services for John will be at 11:00AM, Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Joe Korf officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7PM, Friday, June 23 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

John was born on September 8, 1946 in Moran Township, Minnesota to Anton “Tony” and Darlene (Modrow) Knosalla. He grew up in Staples and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Staples High School in 1964. John then went on to the Staples Vo-Tech for Machining. John was united in marriage to Catherine Ackerson March 12, 1969 in Staples, MN. He worked in the Cities as a machinist before returning to Staples and working at Benson Optical. John then started reloading shells for everyone in the area, including the Police Department and DNR, as well as snowplowing. He enjoyed shooting his rifles and pistols, hunting and fishing, pulling pranks, cooking and he always made sure everyone was taken care of. John had a strong Catholic faith and loved his religion. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

John is survived by his wife, Cathy of Staples; children, Tammy (Craig) Wentworth of Staples, Jess (Tia) Knosalla of Staples, Bobbi (Darin) Holmberg of Staples; nine grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis Foster of Staples, and Linda (Lynn Whittlif) Dukowitz of Princeton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Darlene; Cathy’s parents, Jess and Freda Ackerson; and nephew Todd Foster. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.