Harry James Knoche

Memorial services for Harry James Knoche, 67, Lawrence will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held following the service at Clinton Lake Overview Park. Harry died September 16, 2018 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri after a month-long struggle to recover from an aortic dissection.

Harry was born on February 5, 1951 in Paola, KS the son of Alfred A. and Hazel B. (Windisch) Knoche. He graduated from Paola High School and attended the University of Kansas where he studied Sociology. Harry worked construction in Florida, farmed with his father, and sold agricultural fertilizer before joining Natural Breeze Construction in 1989. Harry worked for Natural Breeze as a remodeling carpenter until 2002 when he semi-retired to care for his parents and in-laws. Since 2008 Harry was self-employed, operating Miami County Store All, several rental properties, and doing repair and remodeling work for people he liked.

Harry loved to spend time outdoors, especially canoeing. He always drove the back roads and had a knack for finding local beer stores and meat markets, bringing back really good beer and sausages from every vacation. Harry was a great cook and grill-master. His pulled pork, country ribs, grilled sausages, lima beans, and coleslaw will be missed by all. Harry could always be depended on to help with a project or a problem. He was happy to share his time and his skills, and even his truck, as long as you let him drive.

Harry married Charlotte E. Mason (Dodson) on November 22, 1986. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include; step-children, Bill Funk (Sue), Katie Glover (Willie), both of Paola, Dennis Funk (Denise), Gig Harbor, Washington, Lilly Mason, (Anil), Lawrence, Natalie Mason (Sarah) Des Moines, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Thomas and Jacob Funk, Jason and Savannah Glover, D J. and Daniella Funk, Arlo and Oscar Paden, Ari and Flora Kamat.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

12 Condolences

  1. Cammie Garrison on September 18, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    My deepest sympathies



  2. Paul Hardman on September 19, 2018 at 10:00 am

    Hello Charlotte and Family.
    Harry was a great guy. I already miss his warm eyes, red outfits, and great beard. He had a lot of care for others in him. He seemed to respond to a lot of things with a chuckle or a good laugh. You all have my sympathy.



  3. Gary Webber and Phyllis Farrar on September 19, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Harry will be deeply missed by all, because he was deeply loved. We cherished his twinkling eyes and easy laugh, and the happy memories of our time together. Loving condolences to Charlotte and family.



  4. Kenneth Johnston on September 20, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Harry was one of the few individuals that laughed at my jokes and was always in good spirits. I will remember his good nature and love of animals. He will be missed.



  5. Gary Shafer on September 20, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Have not seen Harry in a couple decades … but, I remember … and some of my most pleasant memories are wrapped around Harry and his family. He was a good man, and when all
    Is said and done there is no finer epitaph.



  6. Karlene Ann Thomson on September 20, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Dear Charlotte. Harry was a wonderful first cousin. He will be missed. You and all the kids are in my prayers. Much loving and healing thoughts.



  7. Carrie Lindsey on September 22, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Dear Charlotte and family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs all around.



  8. Gary Rutledge on September 23, 2018 at 6:15 am

    So sorry for your loss. Heaven gained another bbq master.



  9. Dale Duncan on September 26, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Charlotte and Family…I am very saddened and shocked of Harry’s passing. .Harry was such a great guy..caring for his Family in times if illness and just a good guy.to other Human Beings..I always enjoyed our time jawin’ at class reunions..he was always so up beat..and his smile and laugh was infectous..As a procrastinator. .with sincerity..I wish I’d had taken time to of kept in touch with Harry over the years.we had a lot of ideas in common…He was a good friend.. I will miss him.. Peace for Harry. PEACE to you and your Family..



  10. Wayne and Kristi Graul on September 27, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Charlotte and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Harry cruising down 299th street and stopping for a quick visit on Saturdays and of course that giggly laugh that we loved. Harry Rest In Peace



  11. Denise Funk on September 27, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    To Charlotte, Lilly, Natalie, Bill, Katie and Dennis,

    I never got to spend much time with Harry since Dennis and I always lived so far away. But from the moment I met Harry I KNEW he had a huge heart and would give the shirt off his back if need be.
    On this journey we call life I feel we are often under pressure from society to conform and be who the world tells us to be. But it is simply not true. We were put on earth to be who we were meant to be. I believe Harry was exactly who he was meant to be from his unique laugh, to his big as life beard, to his willingness to always help those he loved, he was the REAL deal. Authentic. I loved that about Harry.
    I am eternally grateful to Harry for flying out to California to watch Dennis get his Masters Degree. Dennis was beyond thrilled, it meant so much to him.
    I am so sorry to not be able to attend the service. Each of you will be in my thoughts and prayers not only tomorrow but for a long time to come. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
    Much Love & Many Hugs



  12. David & Becky Link on September 29, 2018 at 8:45 am

    Sad to hear. A great life. May his memory forever be a blessing to Charlotte, family and his many friends. We knew him best chuckling around a campfire, and that’s how we’ll remember his spirit. Love to all.
    David & Becky Link



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