Gerald A. 'Red' Knight

Mason City: Red Knight of Mason City, Iowa passed to his final reward Thursday, May 13, 2010. He was born at Goldfield, IA Jan12, 1909. He relished a very long and fulfilling life of 101 years, 4 months, 1 day. The world has changed a lot since then. Transportation in those days was by horse or foot. On cold winter days he ice skated to and from school on the Boone River, which ran through their farm just north of Goldfield. The advanced technology of his early days was listening to KDKA in Pittsburgh on his homemade galena crystal radio with head phones, cat whiskers and a coil wrapped around a cylindrical oatmeal box. Shortly before his death he had a guest spot in a video on You Tube, having thus experienced a wide range of change.
After graduation he chose not to continue on the family farm and paid his way to attend college. The Depression caused him to stop in favor of full time employment. He spent 13 years boning beef in Swift Packing Company of Sioux City before being able to complete college and begin his career as a school teacher and administrator. Along the way a Masters degree was added. Students in Hartley, Britt, Farrar, Delta, Numa, Bridgewater, Randall, Blairstown and Mt Pleasant often contacted him years later to express their respect and appreciation.
Retirement came in 1972 but clearly marked the beginning of yet another career, this one in and about Rowan, IA. He became heavily involved in Rowan life. Through the Lions club he attended international conventions and ran a very active international youth exchange program. Many students from around the globe experienced memorable times in North Central Iowa, and quite a few local students had their eyes opened at homes in foreign lands. Red was instrumental in starting and running the Rowan Community Apartments. Promoting and aiding the Rowan Library became a special project. Town Council and United Church of Rowan were also ways he helped. Reading books onto tape for the blind came into his repertoire. And only those he so quietly helped in many ways know about it.
In 2000 he had lived alone for 24 years since his wife Robin passed. At age 91 he moved to Mason City to be with son Robert in Homestead Assisted Living. There he continued his community activism quietly helping other residents and the facility.
He was preceded in death by cherished wife Robinette nee LaGue of Rowan whom he married in 1933 and who became his lifes partner and helpmate through good times and bad. Those who also went ahead are his parents, Thomas A. and Blanche M. Knight, brother Clyde, and son Robert (Pete). He is survived by his son Rod (wife Barb) of Valley City, Ohio, granddaughter Terri Bryan and great grandchildren Dan, Maddy and Timothy (Tee) Bryan of Maumee, Ohio as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.
A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 1 at The Homestead Assisted Living, 2501 W. State St., Mason City. Inurnment is about 2:30 PM at Goldfields Glenwood Cemetery, northwest of town. Bower Lodge 464 AF&AM will conduct a graveside Masonic service. The citizens of Rowan are hosting coffee at 4 PM in the United Church of Rowan. Family and friends are welcome at any and all of these celebrations of his life.
No flowers, please, but memorial contributions may be sent to the Rowan Lions Club, % Berne Ketchum, PO Box 156, Rowan 50470. Online condolences may be made to www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com or mail to Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania, Mason City, IA 50401. For information call 330 604-0442.

Memorials:
No flowers, please, but memorial contributions may be sent to the Rowan Lions Club, % Berne Ketchum, PO Box 156, Rowan 50470.

Cemetery:
Inurnment is about 2:30 PM at Goldfields Glenwood Cemetery, northwest of town. Bower Lodge 464 AF&AM will conduct a graveside Masonic service.

Service:
A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 1 at The Homestead Assisted Living, 2501 W. State St., Mason City.