Lori Ann Knaack

Lori Ann (Kaufman) Knaack, age 53, of Reinbeck gained her angel wings on February 4, 2023. Lori, who never met a stranger, will be greatly missed and will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her generosity, hospitality, and kindness made all those she knew feel loved and always welcome.

Lori was born on August 17, 1969, in Marshalltown, IA. She was the only daughter of Bob and Fran (Hilligas) Kaufman. Lori grew up in Traer, IA with her brothers Tom and Brad who made sure she was as tough as she was competitive. Her childhood was filled with games, laughter, and typical small-town joys like riding her moped and hanging with her friends.

April 30, 1994, she married the love of her life, Pat Knaack. They made their home on a farmstead north of Reinbeck, IA where they soon welcomed their daughter Mikayla and son Erik. Supporting her kids’ activities brought Lori great joy. She was often found in the gym or on the field coaching and later cheering-on their teams. Lori loved hosting family, friends, and even their pets. She could always be counted on to be the “hostess with the mostest” and opened her home and heart to everyone. Her family pool and shop were always full of life, love, and laughter, thanks to Lori’s quick wit. She and Pat loved traveling to warm, sunny places.

She graduated from North Tama High School in 1987. During high school she was an active participant in softball, track, and basketball. Lori’s well-honed and brother-trained aggressiveness on the court meant she was at risk of fouling out if she played too many minutes. Lori earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UNI in Interior Design. She subsequently completed her National Council for Interior Design Qualifications Certification, something that brought her great pride. Lori was a talented and respected commercial interior designer for the past 3 decades.

Lori is survived by her loving husband Pat, her daughter Mikayla Jaspers (Jay) of Steamboat Rock, son Erik (Lilith Wilson) of Spencer, parents Bob and Fran of Traer, and brothers Tom (Julie) of Traer, and Brad (Julie) of Waukee. She was beyond excited to become a grandma and is survived by her first grandson, Jack Jaspers, who is expected to arrive in March. She is also survived by members of Pat’s family, Vern and Julie Knaack, Andrea and Doug Rowe, and Marc and Polly Murphy. Lori was proud of and cherished her nephews and niece: Alex, Corissa, Zachery, Brandon, Cole, Camden, Cyler, Aidan, and Jared and her beloved grand-nieces Joella and Annalise.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 9th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck. A funeral service will be Friday, February 10th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a private graveside service. After the service, a meal will be shared at the Reinbeck Memorial Building for all those celebrating Lori’s life. Arrangements are under the direction of Abels Funeral Service in Reinbeck. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to the family; they will be using donations to support a selection of Lori’s passions.