John Francis Joseph Kneeshaw

Obituary John Francis Joseph Kneeshaw John Kneeshaw, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, 85, a lifetime area resident, passed away peacefully and courageously, on July 10, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Jean. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish all his life. At 14, he started his lifetime career in retail by sweeping floors at Irvings Clothes Shop to help support his newly widowed mother and his family. He retired as General Manager of Elvins Department Store in 1979. At 17, John enlisted in the Navy serving in the Pacific until his honorable discharge in 1946. As a young father, John was proud to be a Boy Scout Leader for his sons and nephews. John was a member of The Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 serving as Exhaulted Ruler and District Deputy Grand Exhaulted Ruler. Upon retirement, he and Lois Jean, the love of his life, traveled in their RV with friends and family. He is survived by his children; Stephen (Bobbi), Thomas (Brenda), Marti (Steve), Suzanne, Kevin (Carol), Frank, Melanie, 21 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and friend, Vicki. Funeral Mass will be celebrated for both John and his sister, Ann Kneeshaw Staeheli on Friday, July 20, 2012, 10:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA. Rosary will be recited Thursday, July 19, 2012, 7:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church. "Don't Be Late!"