Jack Knothe

Jack Knothe, 94, of Becker, formerly of Montevideo, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Quiet Oaks in St. Cloud. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 25th at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Becker. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Burial and Military Honors will be held on Saturday, at 1:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo.

Jack Knothe, 94, of Becker, formerly of Montevideo, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Quiet Oaks in St. Cloud, MN.

Jack was born on May 9, 1932, to Helen (Wildgrube) and Lester Knothe. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Winona, MN. Jack was a graduate of Winona Senior High School in 1950. He graduated from Winona State University in 1954, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and earned his Master’s degree in 1964. In Jack’s youth, he had problems reading. However, he had a great 3rd grade teacher who put a lot of effort into him. She sparked a love of learning and teaching that would resonate through his entire life.

Jack was united in marriage to Donna Daun on August 6, 1955. He enlisted in the United States Navy from 1951-1957, stationed at the naval air station in Grosse Ile, MI.

His first teaching job was in Rushford, MN and then moved to Montevideo in 1959 where he would live, teach, and worship for 58 years. Always an active member of church and participated in a number of church committees and boards. He was also involved with the local area Boy Scouts as one of the leaders, attending many campouts and jamborees.

Jack taught 7th – 9th grade Social Studies from 1959 – 1963. From 1963-80, he worked as a Vocational Rehab Counselor where he placed handicapped students and adults into appropriate jobs. He was involved with Montevideo area migrant education program in the evenings along with drivers ed. He rejoined the classroom in 1980 as a sixth-grade Social Studies teacher, and eventually joined the athletic department as the head coach of girl’s track. He was recognized by his peers for his contribution in education as well as coaching. He received both Teacher and Coach of the year honors. Jack never turned down an opportunity to try something new. He often stated; “That’s how you learn and grow. Students often don’t remember what you taught them, but rather the experience they had in the classroom. I always made sure each of my students were allowed to add their own experiences to my storytelling. That helped them take ownership of the learning lesson.”

In early retirement Jack never slowed down. He stayed busy splitting wood and joined the American Legion as a life-long member. He held positions as: commander and chaplain and was also a member of the memorial squad for funerals. He and Donna also organized and were responsible for setting out 1400 flags at 16 cemeteries in honor of Memorial Day.

Jack and Donna were very involved with their grandchildren’s school and sports activities, logging many miles across Minnesota. As a couple, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In later retirement, Jack loved books and was an avid reader. He was involved with the local Alzheimer’s support group, the annual Veteran’s Day program along with writing a monthly column for The Good Shephard Community.

Jack’s learning never stopped during retirement. He loved spending time with others conversing and learning about their experiences. He continued sharing stories and memories up until the end.

Jack is survived by his three children, Kirtes (Linda) Knothe, Kent (Pam) Knothe and Karla (James) Mohagen, 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna in 2018 and a baby girl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:

Faith Lutheran Church, Becker, MN www.faithlutheran.becker.org or Great River Faith In Action www.grfia.org or mail to Great River Faith In Action, Becker, MN 55308.

Jack had compassion and received the love and support from these communities.