John Knostenberg

John Knostenberg, age 84 of Appleton, WI passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.  John was born in Smiltene, Latvia on May 27, 1938 to Janis and Emma (Piesis) Knostenbergs.  He worked for George Banta Publishing Company for over 30 years. 

Some of John’s favorite past times were reading, especially poetry.  He liked to watch Westerns and World War II movies.  He was a very competitive chess player and arm wrestler.  John was quite the entertainer, often telling a good joke or doing a magic trick for his family.  He was a polished and meticulous dresser and an incredibly skilled tailor.  John loved to be outside, suntanning on the beach whenever he got the opportunity.  You could often find John tinkering with his car or a motorcycle in his free time.  He was passionate about whatever he thought was right and always kept up on the news and politics.  John loved going out for dinner and enjoyed dessert, especially ice cream.  He also liked to dance, listen to his favorite oldies, and watch Lawrence Welk on TV.  John served as an infantry rifleman Company A 1^st Battalion 5^th Marines.  He was especially proud of his service with the Marine Corps Force Recon.  More than anything, John loved spending time with his grandchildren.  He was very proud of them.    

John is survived by his children, Tina (Mark) Foth, Kimm (Jim) Van Herwynen, Jon Knostenberg, and Jamie (Henri) Codjia; his grandchildren, Olivia Foth, Mason Foth, Mitchell Van Herwynen, Madelyn Van Herwynen, Dominique Codjia, Mireille Codjia, and Etienne Codjia; his sister, Mara Berzin; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends. 

John is preceded in death by his parents; his former wife and friend, Anne (Rowe) Knostenberg; his sisters, Dace (Todd) Van Gompel and Vija Knostenberg; and his brother-in-law, George Berzin.

A private graveside memorial service will be held in the near future at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, WI.  In lieu of flowers, please leave a favorite memory of John or your personal family condolence/s below.  

“Once a Marine, aways a Marine.  Semper Fi!” – MSgt Paul Woyshner