Mercedes T. Knauf

Mercedes T. Knauf, 94, Wausau, died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Cedar Creek Manor, Kronenwetter. She was born in Marathon City, daughter of the late Frank and Margaret "Mary" (Claire) Krautkramer. On May 30, 1942, she married Gilbert J. Knauf at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death on July 17, 1969. Mercedes worked at K-Mart in Wausau for 15 years. She was a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish and a member of St. Catherine's Council. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed baking, gardening, canning and was a caregiver to many family members. She loved spending time with her many grandchildren. Survivors include, four children, Donald (Diana) Knauf, Roscoe, IL, Audrey Nowinsky, Hatley, Diane (Roger) Schultz, Wausau and Mary (Tom) Nemke, Hatley; 12 grandchildren, Tim (Theresa) Knauf, Steven Knauf, Michael (Megann) Nowinsky, Sarah (Kurt) DuBore, Lynn (Kevin) Ostrowski, Jack (Amanda) Nowinsky, Ann Schultz, Lee Schultz, Lisa (Chad) Winters, Jennifer (Mike) Booth, Dan (Jenny) Nemke and Jessica (Tyle) Treml; 21 great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; one brother, Arnold Krautkramer, Marathon; one brother-in-law, Ivan Driscoll, Milwaukee; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Gilbert, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Patrick Nowinsky; two great-grandsons, Finley Nemke and Matthew Schultz; two sisters, Esther Krautkramer and Viola Driscoll; and four brothers, Ray, Jerome, Sylvester and Walter Krautkramer. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Linda, Cathy and the staff at Cedar Creek Manor for the loving care and support given to our mother. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com