Steven R. Knaak, oldest son of Willis and Norma Knaak, of Layton, Utah, passed away on February 17, 2025 in Bountiful, Utah.
Steven was born in Ottumwa, IA on Feb. 15, 1948, five minutes before his twin brother. He was baptized as a young infant in the Lutheran Church before his family moved to Utah in 1950. He was later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran church at the age of 14.
Steve spent his youth enjoying Boy Scouts and playing school sports. In 1965, in his senior year at Davis High School, Steve, along with his twin brother, Sam, helped The Davis Darts Football Team win the State Championship!
He then went on the proudly serve our country as a Radio Operator in the United States Army. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne from 1967-1969. He received a medal in National Defense and Good Conduct as well as a Parachute badge and Sharpshooter Rifle Badge.
After his Army years, Steve found his niche in life as a journeyman machinist. He spent years working for companies such as Westinghouse, Thiokol, and GE. His career ended in early 2000 when he was forced to take a medical retirement.
Steve spent most of his leisure time hunting and fishing. As he got older and less mobile, he enjoyed being a "Camp Rat" and cooking gourmet meals for the guys while they were out hunting. Though cooking was his 'Love Language', He would do anything for his family and friends whether it was buying a dinner, lending his car, or giving you the shirt off his back. Anyone who ever met Steve knows that he was the most gentle, caring, and kind hearted person they ever met.
Steve was proceeded in death by his mom Norma Knaak, his father Willis Knaak, and his twin brother, Sammy Knaak.
He is survived by his sisters, Carla Cross of West Haven, and Dinah Trochman (Allen) of Redding, CA.
His children, Kelly Hanley (Michael) of Clearfield, Stoney Ray Knaak (Jodi) of West Jordan, Justin Knaak (Sherry) of Layton, and Amanda Larson (Reese) of Layton.
Steve was blessed and loved spoiling his 12 grandchildren; Korey, Kiana, Steve, Trevor, Stormy, Abigail, Lucky, Christopher, Laci, Raini, Eli, and Maci. And most recently became a Great-Grandpa to Paisley Rae.
Steven will be laid to rest in a quiet family ceremony at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah. A public service and Celebration of life will be held on March 22, 2025, from 12-3pm at Premier Mortuary, 5335 South 1950 West, Roy, Utah.
The family would like to thank Thatcher Brook Rehab Center and Sandstone Rehab in Bountiful for taking care of Dad. And a special THANK YOU to Troy and other neighbors who looked out for him when we couldn't be there.
Until we meet again,
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.