Arland Kent “Pete” Johanknecht, 85, formerly of Waupaca, a faithful and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at his home in Naperville, IL on Tuesday, July 30th.
He was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin on November 26, 1933 to Anna Maria (Bender) Johanknecht and Russell Earl Johanknecht. He grew up in Wisconsin playing high school basketball, football and baseball with his brother Gilbert Earl Johank-necht. He was a devoted family man and was beloved by his nieces and nephews and several generations to follow. His outlook on life and incredible sense of humor endeared him to everyone he met. Pete attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became a licensed Civil Engineer. You could not find a more passionate Badger or Packer fan on earth. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War conflict, returned home to meet and marry the love of his life, Sonja Lou Gross and they were married on December 3, 1960. He worked as a Civil Engineer most of his life and ran his own engineering business in Lombard for many years. After retirement, he went back to work for Raytheon and Lockheed Martin supervising construction projects at small airports.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori (Tom) Rose and grandson, Jack Rose, of Naperville, IL and many others who loved him so deeply. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Sonja; brother Gilbert (Nancy); parents, Russell and Marie, and many other loved ones.