Neil Wayne Knauss, age 72, of Logan, passed away on Dec. 28th, 2025.
Neil Wayne Knauss was born to Ernest and Helen Knauss on March 2, 1953, in Logan. He grew up on a farm south of Logan. He graduated from Logan High School. He was grateful for his time on the farm with his family but was ready to go to college when the time came. He went to college for business but eventually went to Nebraska Christian College to be a minister. While in college he met Betsy, who later became his wife. He ended up using his knowledge of business to work for Culligan Water of Missouri Valley. Then later he moved on to start his own business selling Kinetico Water Systems. He continued this business for most of his life. This business had many ups and downs, but he was very grateful he could provide for his family and often help others.
While growing up his family attended the Logan Christian Church. He also went to Camp Nebowa for many years and had wonderful memories from this camp. Later in life, he attended the Mondamin Baptist Church, but when it closed, he again attended the Logan Christian Church. He accepted God’s free gift of salvation when young and continued his journey of faith all his life. He often shared his faith with others and was very concerned about others’ salvation.
On Sept. 27, 1975, he married Betsy Salyers. Betsy gave him a lot of encouragement with his business, especially at county fairs. Together they had three children, whom they raised near Logan and Woodbine. Their faith was very important to them, and they were intentional in raising their children in the faith. They were married almost 50 years.
Neil had many interests. He helped at many church and Bible camp events. He loved helping others. In addition, he was very interested in politics. He was a member of the Harrison County Republican party and was very active as the secretary for many years. He often helped with parades, fair booths, canvassing and more. He was well known in the area for his many acts of charity and kindness. His job was very important to him, as well as his customers. He prided himself on excellent customer service and would frequently leave family events to help a customer in immediate need. Many customers became close friends. He had two hobbies that he loved. He loved riding motorcycles and playing war board games. In his spare time, these were at the top of his list.
Neil will be remembered as a man of strong convictions regarding his faith and politics. He believed that if we neglected our duty to elect good people to office, our freedom of religion, plus many other freedoms, could be in jeopardy. He was a hard worker and loved spending time with his family. He loved his family and Jesus Christ, his Savior.
Neil is survived by his sister, Hazel Mohn; sister-in-law Helen Knauss; sisters-in-law, Sharon Harvey & Linda (Minarik) Carmen; brothers-in-law Rick Carmen & Merrill Mohn; children Jennifer (Chris) Fester, Rebecca (Phil) Anderson & Ben (Mary) Knauss; his nine grandchildren, Michael, Johnathan, Annalise & Lydia Fester, Caden Cox, Wade, Grace & Joy Anderson, & Elliana Knauss; & many nieces, nephews, cousins, family & friends.
Neil is preceded in death by his wife, Besty Knauss; parents, Ernest & Helen Knauss; parent-in-laws, Fred & Eva Salyers; brother, Dale Knauss; sister-in-law Shirley Salyers; brothers-in-law Ken Minarik & Gene Harvey; niece Cindy Harvey; nephews Brian Yost & Scott Mohn; and nephew-in-law Terry McKee.
Memorial service Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, 9 a.m. with visitation starting at 8 a.m. at the Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Memorials can be sent to Nebowa Christian Camp PO Box 222. Onawa, Iowa 51040
Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel, 545 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, Ia. 54503, 712-322-7779
