Michael Austin Knauss, D.O., the son of Dr. Austin Roland and Dr. Nellie Mae (Thompson) Knauss was born November 15, 1953 in Lebanon, Missouri, and passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Bryan LGH East Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 55.

Micheal graduated from Lebanon High School, Lebanon, Missouri, in 1972 and William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, in 1976, with bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He was awarded his degree of Doctor of Osteopathy from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri, in 1981. After completing his internship at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan, he moved to Bethany, Missouri, to begin practicing Family Medicine in 1982. In 1991 he moved his practice to Yuma, Colorado. He returned to Missouri in 1994 and opened a Family Practice office in Rock Port, Missouri. Dr. Knauss was highly respected by his patients and his absence saddens many, not only from the loss of their doctor, but also a dear friend.

On December 30, 1975, Michael was united in marriage to Patricia Louise Chapman in Liberty, Missouri. Pat worked alongside Dr. Knauss as a RN and Practice Manager.

Dr. Knauss was Board Certified in Family Practice and was also a Certified Medical Review Officer. He currently served as the Medical Director of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, Missouri, and was a member of the Medical Staff of Community Hospital, Fairfax, Missouri. He was a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and the Missouri Osteopathic Association, and was President of Cass Street Inquiry, Inc., a health care research firm.

Dr. Knauss served the community of Rock Port, Missouri, as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Health Board. He was an avid in-line skater and the founding member of Atchison County Bicycle Club(AC/BC). He enjoyed touring the world with his wife and friends from the seat of his bicycle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, Dr. Fred Thompson. Survivors include his wife Pat Knauss, Rock Port; brother, Daniel Knauss and his wife Margaret, sisters, Karen Bunch and her husband Randy, and Mary Kay Knight and her husband Roger, brother, David Knauss and his wife Bonnie; father-in-law, Dr. Samuel C. Chapman and his wife Joy, Liberty, Missouri; brother-in-law, William M. Chapman and his wife Beverly, Sedalia, Missouri, sister-in-law, Dr. Ann C. Waterman and her husband James, Liberty, Missouri, brother-in-law, Sam Chapman, Jr. and his wife Kathryn Degler, Overland Park, Kansas; niece, Mari Chapman, Overland Park, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
A private family graveside memorial service will be held at a later date, at Fairview Cemetery, south of McFall, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers; memorials may be directed to the Rock Port Nutrition Center or the Atchison County Library, Rock Port.
Services under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.