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HOWLAND -- Joseph L. Knouse, born Aug. 4, 1932, in Trumbull County, the son of the late Dorothy Brown and Louis T. Knouse Sr., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and family man whose kindness, gentle spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He valued hard work, learning and doing the right thing; and he lived his life guided by those principles.
A proud graduate of Girard High School Class of 1950, Joseph went on to attend Youngstown State University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education, as well as his principalship. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a weather forecaster during the Korean War.
Following his military service, Joseph dedicated his life to education. He spent many years as a respected seventh- and eighth-grade teacher and girls' basketball coach, teaching at Beloit West Branch, Clark County-Las Vegas, and Warren City Schools (Turner), retiring in 1989. He was known not only for his knowledge and leadership but also for the care, encouragement and guidance he provided to his students and athletes.
In addition to his career in education, Joseph worked as a meat cutter at Ruggiero's Food Market in Girard and at U.S. Steel in McDonald. During summer breaks from school, he painted houses alongside several fellow teachers -- work he took pride in and friendships he cherished.
Joseph was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Helen; together they built a family rooted in love, laughter and loyalty. He had a great sense of humor and a kind, gentle way about him. Above all else, he loved his family with all of his heart; and that love will continue to guide and comfort those he leaves behind.
He found great joy in life's simple pleasures, especially spending time on the golf course, at the bowling alley or around a table playing cards. Whether he was perfecting his swing, lining up a strike or enjoying a friendly card game, these moments reflected his love for camaraderie, good competition and shared laughter.
Besides his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Schwartz Knouse; his son, Donald W. Suttelle; his son-in-law, Robert Hafley; and his brother, Dr. Louis Knouse Jr.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy "Dot" Mueller of Oak Harbor, Washington; sister-in-law, Ann Knouse of Naples, Florida; sons, Robert (Pam) Knouse of Palmdale, California, and Mark (Britt) Knouse of Holly Springs, North Carolina; daughters, Diane Hafley of Howland and Lori (Harry) Stull, also of Howland; grandchildren, Dustin (Sarah) Knouse, Burt (Cindy) Kelly, Seth Knouse, Lance Knouse, Reese Knouse, Jennifer (Rich) Bundy, Mandi (Eddie) Kuhn, Brandi (Stull) Battison and Brooke (Bryan) Melvin; and great-grandchildren, Ely Kelly, Mordekai Knouse, Patrick Bundy, Dominic Kuhn, Taylor Kuhn, Zoe Nalbach, Talia Fadem, Troy Battison, Travis Battison, Brylee Melvin and Blakely Melvin.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, and from noon to 1 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren.
Interment will take place in Howland Township Cemetery.
The family was truly blessed with wonderful caregivers (our earthly angels) over the last five years. We would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers that spent his last year with him, Molly Weems, Claudia Reinhart, Jaimie Nelman and Paige Uthe. Their love, dedication, compassion and kindness became a true blessing to our family.
Joseph will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
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