Rev. Merlin H. Knauff 1932-2021
COLUMBIANA — The Rev. Merlin Homer Knauff, 88, was called to the church triumphant, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. He passed away as a result of a fall on black ice, which caused irreversible brain trauma. He passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Poland.
Merlin was born Thursday, Nov. 3, 1932, in Beaver Falls, Pa., the son of the Rev. Homer J. Knauff and Christina A. Elsass Knauff.
In 1950, he graduated from Dola High School. In 1954, he graduated with a B.A. in English from Capital University in Columbus. In September 1957, Merlin married Katherine Grace Schmidt. In 1958, he graduated with an MDIV from Capital Lutheran Seminary, Columbus. He went on to serve Lutheran parishes in the American Lutheran Church and its successor, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Those churches were St. John’s, Marion Ind. (1958-1967) and Town Line Lutheran Church, Townline / Alden, N.Y. (1967-1997). During his retirement, he served as an interim pastor in many Lutheran parishes throughout Western New York.
He was a talented softball pitcher, avid gardener, family history enthusiast, gifted choir member, Buffalo Bills fan and a wonderful storyteller. In 2014, he and Kate moved to Columbiana, where he became an active member of Greenford Lutheran Church. He also became a regular volunteer for the 3C’s food pantry.
He is survived by a sister, Nelda (Carl) Adcock; two daughters; Christina Simmons and Kim (Pete) Penzone; and a son, the Rev. Michael (Deborah) Knauff. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Rebecca Knauff, Arlynn Knauff, Mitchell Simmons, Casey Simmons, Spencer Simmons, Adam (Courtney) Knauff, Stephen (Rachel) Knauff, Caleb (Ali) Knauff and Samantha Penzone.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kate; his brother, Roland Knauff; and son, Kenneth R. Knauff.
A memorial service will be held at Greenford Lutheran Church, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, with visiting hours prior to the service starting at 2 p.m. Please observe COVID-19 protocols.
A funeral service will be held at Town Line Lutheran Church, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, with visiting hours 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at the church.
Burial will be in Town Line Lutheran Cemetery, Alden, N.Y.
Memorial contributions can be made to Town Line Lutheran Scholarship Fund, 1159 Town Line Road, Alden, NY 14004; Greenford Lutheran Music Fund, P.O. Box 104, Greenford, OH 44422; or South Range Council of Church and Community Food Pantry (3C’s) in North Lima.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view Merlin’s obituary or send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.
(special notice)