Eugene Z. Knaus

Eugene "Gene" Z. Knaus, 89, of Latrobe, passed away September 3, 2026 at Independence Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born April 12, 1937, a son of the late Felix and Helen (Secosky) Knaus.

He retired as a metallurgist with Latrobe Steel.

A lifetime fan of the Steelers, Pirates and especially the Penguins. He was a member of the former Forty Martyrs Church and currently St. Vincent Basilica, and he really enjoyed attending the Latin mass at Holy Family Church in Latrobe. A lifetime member of the United Slovak Club and the founder of the club's senior golf league and loved using his iPad to research religion and his Hungarian heritage, which he was very proud of.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gerri (Baker) Knaus, son Rob, and niece Annette Ritenour and brothers-in-law Robert (LeeAnn) Baker, Eddie (Judy) Baker and Danny Mathers.

He is survived by his loving daughter Michelle, sister Monica Ritenour and her daughter Angela, sister Ellen (Bill) Allison and their daughters Marcy and Maureen and Maureen's daughter Shayleigh.

Special friends Doug and Renee Lloyd, Bill Stein and his daughter Kelsey (Aaron) Stemple and their children Mason and Conrad.

Close friend Rich Rosky.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7pm on Wednesday at HOFFER WILT FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt. Mass of Christian Burial 10 am, Thursday at St. Vincent Basilica. Burial will be private at Forty Martyrs Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Latrobe Hospital Dr. Kristen Chadha, Dr. Arshad Khan and ICU staff for their excellent and compassionate care, and all the visiting nurses with Concordia Homecare.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at hofferwilt.com