Bruce Leslie Knauer, 83, passed away on January 30, 2021.

Bruce was born on October 27, 1937 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky to George and Irma (Brian) Knauer.  He was the eldest of four sisters:  Janice, Karen, Lois, and Gail.  He was also their big brother.  Bruce was noted for many different accomplishments.  At a very young age, he expressed his life desires:  being a jockey, cowboy, pilot, fireman, and cop. 

He learned the ethic of a job well done and complete.  He was responsible for milking cows before and after school, making hay, and harvesting crops.  Summer lifeguard for the family park.  Noted swimmer for the school team, later an accomplished water skier.  He experienced a short period of horse racing and at 18 joined the Air Force in 1956 and retiring in 1976.  He flew on 6 different airplanes worldwide, being stationed in Canada, England, Panama Canal, Vietnam, the East Coast, and EAFB, SD.  He ended his AF life on the C141 Jet Cargo plane flying augmented around the world.  Most interesting was flying the presidential support with Secret Service vehicles and officers.   Airlifting for disaster countries had mixed feelings.  One of the most interesting was assisting President Nixon’s trip to China and bringing back the Pandas.   He met his future wife, Mary Vee, while assigned to EAFB, SD.  He not only fell in love with her, but the SD Black Hills.  They were married in 1968.

He retired in 1976 and returned to Rapid City working briefly at Wards, moving on to Pennington County Sheriff, retiring after 28 years.  He became a Reserve Sheriff and acquired many lasting friends.  He also was an active volunteer with the Whispering Fire Assn, building a bigger building with best friend Ray Johnson.

He became friends and worked with the Black Hills Aero Adventure helicopters.  He so enjoyed it mostly for the children.  He had a special relationship with them and the church children.  They tell, even after when grown, of the interest he showed them.

Bruce leaves behind his wife, Mary Vee (Smith) Knauer; four children, Charles Knauer of Rapid City, SD, Theresa (Doug) Heil of Mt. Washington, KY, Bruce Jr (Lory) Knauer of Bloomfield, KY, Melody (Rick) Finn of Louisville, KY; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bruce lived his life’s dream of accomplishing his 5 desires.  His living and sharing with so many leave a vacant space in all the lives that knew him.