R. D. “Dick” Knakmuhs

R.D. “Dick” Knakmuhs, age 85, of Walnut Grove passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at his home. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. 

Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.  Interment is in Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.  Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Dick Knakmuhs was born February 6, 1927 on the family farm to Paul and Effie (Jackson) Knakmuhs.  He was baptized at Tracy Lutheran Church.  Dick attended country school District 22 and graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1945.  He joined the US Army in 1945 and attained the rank of SSGT.  After his honorable discharge in 1947, Dick returned to Tracy where he worked at the Ford garage until 1960.  On September 3, 1948 Dick was united in marriage to Shirley Embree.  He purchased the insurance agency in Walnut Grove in 1960 and moved to Walnut Grove.  Dick started the Knakmuhs Agency and was active with the business through its 50th anniversary in 2010.  He was very active in the community.  In addition to being a founding member of numerous civic and service organizations, he served 39 years for the Redwood County Mutual Insurance Group (including 34 years as President), 20 years as fire chief, 12 years on the school board, and on church council for many years in various capacities.  Dick enjoyed farming, working, and playing cards with the boys at the barn.

Dick is survived by his wife Shirley of 63 years; children: Michele (John) Bisbee of Fairmont, Melinda (Steve) Kubias of Cottage Grove, Kevin Knakmuhs and Kerry (Becky) Knakmuhs all of Walnut Grove, and Marilee (Jon) Saxhaug of Fulda; 17 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.  Dick is also survived by siblings: Virene Shea and Lloyd (Shirley) Knakmuhs all of Walnut Grove, and Floyd (Ruth) Knakmuhs of Westbrook.  He is preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.