John David Knaack

John David Knaack, age 75, passed away on June 25, 2025, at Rennes Health Care in Appleton. John was born on November 16, 1949, to the late Melvin and Gertrude (Konkel) Knaack in Appleton. He grew up in Appleton and attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Following his educational pursuits, began a family and had daughter Jodi and son John. John was an owner and operator of John’s Car Clean-auto detailing. He also worked at Cruisin Auto which was his “pre-retirement” gig.

John was an Elvis fan and had a mischievous side, he even dressed up as Elvis occasionally. At one point, he even rode a motorcycle-though it seems that hobby and adventure was short-lived. He enjoyed going to the casinos and playing sheepshead with his family. He was always one for bringing dogs home-he had a soft heart for dogs that needed a home. He loved Christmas and would often load the cart up with surprises while his wife would remove them before the check-out lane. He enjoyed time spent at some of the local car shows, reading Stephen King books in bed, and watching wrestling.

He is survived by his daughter Jodi (Jose) Mendez, son John Knaack; his grandchildren: Ashley (Fabian) Martinez, Wendy (Nick) Thiel, Cody (Lauren) Mendez; Caitlyn, Brianna, and Austin Knaack; great grandchildren: Milani, Brayden and Harper; siblings: Marva (Ken) Uhlenbrauck, Jordan Knaack, and Brenda (Bill) Roberts. In addition, John is survived by Carol’s family who truly became his bonus children: Trisha (Ritchie) Zander, Brad Funk, Chad (Heather) Funk; and bonus grandchildren: Jacob Zander, Josh (Simran) Zander, and Kirsten (Mason) Funk as well as other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by the love of his life Carol Funk, his parents, grandson Dylan Mendez and brother Waldo Knaack, and sister Charlotte (Gerald) Bohl.

A memorial service for John will take place on Tuesday July 1, 2025, at 11:00am at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 9:00am until the service begins. John will be buried at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Appleton 3rd floor for their exemplary care of John.

Dad

Thank you for always being here and believing in me no matter what.

-Jodi