Gerald Allan Knarr

Gerald Allan Knarr passed peacefully from this life on May 20,2023 at home.

He was born January15,1938 to Herman Gilbert and Daisy Geraldine Knarr in Huntington, W. VA. 

Jerry graduated from Avon High School in IN and went to Franklin College for one year.  He then joined the Navy for 4 years where he served as head radio technician on the Captain’s crew of a B-52 plane.   At he conclusion of the Bay of Pigs situation in Cuba, Jerry was finally released from the Navy and went back to Franklin College where he studied seriously and got a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy.  As he moved from one job to another he developed many skills.  He married Mary (Ritchey) in 1966. During one year in Indianapolis, Jerry taught 6th grade in an inner city public school.  He and Mary moved the mobile home they bought at their marriage, down to Bloomington, IN where he got his Master’s degree in English.  He accepted a job at Valparaiso University where he met many friends that remained so to the end.  After moving the mobile home up to Valparaiso, in 1977 we moved to our first house in Kouts, IN which he totally remodeled.  He chose not to get his PhD so knew his teaching days were numbered.  However, with the connections of his friends and colleagues, he started doing odd jobs, remodeling and fix its of all types!  He never had to advertise but satisfied customers recommended him for their problems to solve-- be it remodeling a room, roofing a house, or trapping groundhogs-- he did it all.  He and Mary, in later years, often would go around the streets of Valparaiso to see the work he had done years ago.  Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary, son Geoffrey (Takeisha), grandchildren Gavin Gray, Kherrington, Geoffrey, Declan, and Serena, and her mom, Fumi.  His siblings, Ron (Jean), Marilyn (Vince), Vinton (Carol), and many special nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Jim and nephew Brad, as well as some very close friends.

He will be be remembered as an avid reader and wordsmith; one who always had an open, curious mind on many topics, and a man who loved a challenge.  Truly a Renaissance Man! He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements by Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso.

There will be a celebration of Life on July 16 with friends and family.

Donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy or VNA of NWI

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Allan Knarr, please visit our floral store.