Rudolph Herman Knaack, Jr., age 91, passed away at his residence at Home Place in the company of his family on March 24, 2008. Rudy was born in Spokane, Washington, Oct. 6, 1916, to Rudolph and Frances Ruth Knaack of Spokane. He was raised in Spokane, and graduated from North Central High School. He attended both Eastern Washington College and Washington State University. He married Vera Lucille Lagers of Colfax, Wash., and settled in Spokane. He worked during WWII at Galena Air Force Base in Spokane for the Army Air Force as a civilian contractor repairing aircraft for the African campaigns.

During his professional career, Rudy worked for radio station KGA in Spokane, the Spokane Police Department, and Graybar Electric where he served for over 40 years.

The Knaack Family moved from Spokane to Seattle in 1957, settling in the Shorewood area. His lifelong interest was in amateur radio and held his ham license for over 72 years. His wife, Vera, passed away in 1994. He moved to Oak Harbor to be closer to family in 2006.

Rudy was survived by his sister, Mary Hill of New City, N.Y.; his children, Barbara Swank of Burien, Wash., Cheryl Berger of Bremerton, Wash., and Rudy Knaack of Oak Harbor; and grandchildren, Katie Hutchinson of Olympia, Karen Berger of Bremerton, Jason Berger of Bremerton, and Frances Ruth Knaack-Day of Oak Harbor. Great-grandchildren include Sammy Day and Caleb Knaack of Oak Harbor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera; and brothers, Wilfred and Armin Knaack.

A graveside memorial will be held in Seattle at a later date. Memorials may be sent in care of Home Place, Oak Harbor.