Conrad "Doc" Knuth

Conrad “Doc” Knuth, 81, of Wausau went to his heavenly home on July 10, 2024 after a five-year battle with cancer.

Conrad was born on March 1, 1943 in Sheboygan County, the son of Arthur and Anita Knuth. He attended grade school in a one room school house across the road from the family farm. After graduating from Plymouth High School, he attended Milwaukee Technical College and graduated with an electrical engineering degree. Following college, Conrad served two years in the Army.

Conrad met Carol (Blanke) at Laack’s Bar and Ballroom where they danced many polkas and waltzes. They married on September 27, 1969 and would have celebrated 55 years together this year. They were blessed with two children, Brenda and Kurt.

A 30-year career at GTE started in Plymouth, moved to Marshfield in 1973, and to Wausau in 1976 where he was promoted to a crew supervisor. Following his retirement from GTE at age 50, he worked a part-time job at Farm and Home in Schofield for 12 years. 

There were many hobbies in Conrad’s life. He participated in a bowling league for 45 years, where he was the secretary and treasurer for 35 plus years. He also enjoyed golfing in league for 20 years at Trapp River Golf Course. During the summers Conrad and Carol enjoyed camping with family and friends, which led into a passion for participating in historical reenactments for 25 years, including the Mosinee Log Jam. The couple traveled through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa where Conrad portrayed a French voyager who was at a fort and made canoe paddles for the younger voyagers signed up to go on an expedition. He also regularly participated in the black powder competitions at the reenactments. Conrad was an avid outdoorsman, and participated in many hunting seasons with rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader.

Conrad was an active member of Grace UCC in Wausau, serving as a council elder, deacon, and president. He also dedicated much of his time to the property committee and maintenance of the church. Conrad was a constant presence at the coffee ministry each Sunday, where he brewed the coffee, welcomed the parishioners, and had fun sharing stories.

Survivors include his wife, Carol (Blanke) of Wausau. Children Brenda (Jeff) Langlois of Wausau and Kurt (Michelle) Knuth of Madison. Grandchildren Ben Langlois (girlfriend Michelle O’Shasky) of Kronenwetter and Lucas Langlois of Wausau. Brothers Ralph (Judy) Knuth of Plymouth and Michael (Kim) Knuth of Duluth, MN. And many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Anita (Klemme) Knuth formerly of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

Special thanks to the cancer staff at Marshfield Clinic (Weston), medical staff in Critical Care unit at Marshfield Weston Hospital, and Compassus Hospice care during his final days.

Services will be held at Grace United Church of Christ at 535 S 3rd Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401 on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11am with visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service. Pastor Anne Larrabee will officiate.