Carl J. Knauss,

Carl J. Knauss, Jr., 81, of Kent passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was born and raised in Allentown, PA to Carl and Florence (Betge) Knauss, Sr., and was a dear and devoted husband, father and grandfather to his 8 grandchildren. Upon receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees from Kansas State, he nearly completed his PhD at Iowa State University, but chose to return to Pennsylvania to care for his ailing father. He worked at Lehigh University for 11 years prior to joining Kent State University's Rheology and Coatings Research Chemistry Laboratory where he retired as the Associate Director. For 35 years he taught numerous short courses and published technical articles for industry professionals. He enthusiastically consulted and served on a variety of technical and volunteer committees for which he received several awards and recognitions. He was a member of the Cleveland Paint Society, chairman of its educational committee, and a member of the Sigma Psi honorary research fraternity. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marie (Fenstermaker); children, Rodney of Kent, Sheila (Robert) Sweger of Willow Street, PA, and Kevin (Tina) of North Canton; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Dyer, Steven, Caroline, Jane, Jacob, Jordan, Cameron and Kiana; and special friends Miriam and Bradley Katcher. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Kermit Knauss. Carl worshipped and served faithfully at the Kent United Methodist Church. He took pleasure in the wonders of nature and was a longtime member of the Kent Garden Club. He had an amazing breadth of knowledge and subtle sense of humor. In his retirement, he and Marie enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and longtime friends. The family would like to thank the staffs of Robinson Memorial and Altercare and everyone that has provided comfort and support by their presence and prayers. Friends may call on Sunday, September 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Services will be held Monday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Kent United Methodist Church with Revs. Palmer and Denton officiating. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to either the Kent United Methodist Church or the Kent State University Foundation, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, noting the Carl Knauss Chemistry Scholarship.