Aaron Knaus

Aaron Knaus, age 100, of Milbank, SD, passed away on June 30, 2025, at Peaceful Pines Senior Living Center.

A joint memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate the lives of Aaron and Arlene Knaus. Arlene passed away earlier this year, and it is fitting that their lives be remember together, as they did everything side by side. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD. Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwenn will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A light breakfast will be available during this time. Following the service, inurnment will take place at Milbank City Cemetery. 

Aaron Stanley Knaus was born on January 15, 1925, to Martin and Laura (Liebing) Knaus at the Milbank Hospital in Milbank, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical United Brotheren Church in Milbank. Aaron attended country school in Kilborn Township through the eighth grade and later continued his education at Milbank High School.

After completing his schooling, Aaron worked alongside his father on the family farm and also helped neighboring farmers. In 1948, he began renting a quarter section of land, marking the start of his own farming journey.

On January 3, 1951, Aaron was united in marriage to Arlene Harms in the parsonage of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Milbank. Together, they were blessed with three sons: Delaine, Stanley, and Darwin.

Aaron was a dedicated member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served in various roles, including Sunday School teacher, trustee, and superintendent. His commitment to community service extended beyond the church—he served on the local school board, the Kilborn Township board, and the Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors for nine years.

In 1965, Aaron and Arlene began building their home, where Aaron maintained a small dairy operation and continued farming. A talented craftsman, he built custom cabinets for many customers over the years and enjoyed woodworking and creating metal art in his spare time. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or make!

Aaron was a loyal and honorable man in everything he did. He was also a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by three sons: Delaine (Jackie) of Brookings, SD; Stanley Knaus of Solomon, KS; Darwin Knaus of Twin Brooks, SD; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Martin and Laura Knaus; his beloved wife, Arlene Knaus; and brother, Kenneth.