A proud Pennsylvania Dutchman has passed into the more immediate presence of his Savior. Jack Heil "Hoofty" Knauss, 88, died Saturday June 5 at home in Alexandria Manor, Nazareth. Formerly of Lower Macungie Township and Emmaus, Jack was the son of Samuel P. Knauss and Viola (Heil) Knauss. He was a member of Emmaus Moravian Church.

Growing up in a family of eight kids, Jack gracefully endured the deprivations of the Great Depression, and the rationing of World War II. After graduating from Emmaus High School, he served in Korea with the 62nd Combat Engineers. The hardships he and his generation faced taught Jack to be gentle and generous, beloved by all those he met. He found friends everywhere!

In 1957, Jack married Shirley Mae Weil at Emmaus Moravian Church. They enjoyed nearly five decades of marriage. The three children they raised learned the value of hard work, duty and kindness from their wonderful Daddy.

Following 37 years of employment at Bethlehem Steel, Jack dedicated himself to serving his community. A long-time member of and past president of the Mountainville and Lower Lehigh Lions, Jack volunteered and performed with Shirley in the 14K Clowns. Jack also belonged to VFW Post 9264 of Macungie, and loved helping as a member of the Lower Macungie Historical Society, the Emmaus Historical Society, and the Knauss Homestead in Emmaus.

Jack was predeceased by his wife and four of his brothers. Surviving to remember him fondly are his children Tracey, Scott, and Glenn (wife Cindy) four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, his brothers James and Keith, sister Avonne, his dearest friend Ellie, and other buddies at Alexandria Manor.

Services at Schantz Funeral Home in Emmaus will be private, followed in summer by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Emmaus Historical Society, Lower Macungie Historical Society, or the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society.