"I was saddened to learn of Erwin's passing. I have many fond memories of him and how loving and supportive he (and Babe) always were of his pastor and the church. Thankful for his very real and personal relationship with Christ and the promise of resurrection and reunion!"
In loving memory of
Erwin J Kniat
September 16, 1927 - July 12, 2020
At age 92, Erwin Jay Kniat, a devoted family man, passed away at his home on Sunday July 12, with his loving caregiver/granddaughter, Gina, at his side. Mr. Kniat, after a 2-year attempt at recovery from age related illnesses and a short home hospice stay, was never able to fully rebound.
A lifelong devotion to Christ, and an attendee at First Wesleyan Church of Muskegon, Mr. Kniat had a strong belief in "love the sinner, hate the sin" that marked the way he lived. It goes without saying, he read the bible and studied it. He was frequently known to say, "everyone is welcome at my house". He was an avid "car rider", and almost every Sunday afternoon was spent leisurely driving his car accompanied by family or friends. The state of Michigan was extensively traveled and explored, with more often visits to favorite spots. He did the same in Florida where he and his wife wintered for many years. He loved to chat with people about most anything. He had a passion for playing cribbage, and he hosted friends and family weekly, for many years.
He never asked for any material thing for himself, and he never complained. He lived knowing God would provide for him. He loved his family and friends, and they loved him back. He was an extremely generous man. He was happy and proud when he could provide little extras to his sons, and later his grandchildren. He and his wife assured every summer holiday was celebrated with fun, cookouts, and games of croquet. Winter holidays were celebrated with the appropriateness of the occasion, but alas, no croquet. Every family member's birthday, and that of their spouses, was acknowledged and commemorated.
Mr. Kniat is proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Armenia (Babe), two brothers, Vincent and Royce and Father and Mother Micky Kniat and Thelma Kniat nee Dusenberry. He is survived by his three sons, Terry (Margery), Dennis, and Gregory (Gloria), and grandchildren, Darcy (Mark), Brooke (Chris), Gina (Todd), Kristen (Rob), Bradley (Desiree); great grandchildren Wesley, Willow, Samantha (Aaron), Spencer, Megan, Dominic, Emma, Tristan, Avery and Nadia; a great-great grandchild, Max; sisters-in-law Judith, Sue, Margaret, brother in-law Henty, and many loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for 1 pm on Sunday August 26, 2020 at First Wesleyan Church of Muskegon with Pastor Jeremy Lenertz presiding. The service will be outside. For the safety of others, when possible, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing as recommended by the CDC. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Wesleyan Church of Muskegon, or the Muskegon Rescue Mission.