Werner Knuth, 87, Owatonna
Werner W. Knuth, age 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, after a short stay at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna.
Werner was born on July 14, 1939, in Owatonna, the youngest child of the late Werner and Elsie (Lenth) Knuth. He graduated from Owatonna High School with the Class of 1957, and continued his education at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisc. In 1961, Werner earned his bachelor’s degree, majoring in math, and an R.O.T.C. Commission in the U.S. Army.
He married his high school sweetheart, Janice Halverson, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owatonna on Aug. 5, 1961, and they began a 35-year journey together. Their journey took them to Mt. Clemens, Mich.; Decatur, Ill.; Latham, N.Y.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Marion, Ohio. They adopted their son, Bradley, while living in Decatur and had a fulfilling life until Janice’s death on April 3, 1997.
Werner began working at General Electric as a Financial Trainee when his commission with the R.O.T.C. was complete. Following the death of his wife, Janice, he retired from G.E. as the Manager of Financial Operations, after thirty-six years of service. Werner then moved back to Owatonna for a new beginning.
In the fall of 2000, he met Jacki Sebring and the two found comfort and strength in one another. They were married in Owatonna on Dec. 8, 2001, and Werner’s family grew by two children and five grandsons. The couple pursued the life of “snowbirds” splitting their time between Owatonna and Sun City West, Ariz. They enjoyed traveling and visiting many beautiful and interesting countries, making new friends along the way.
When in Owatonna, Werner volunteered at Community Pathways and enjoyed gardening. He also enjoyed cooking and had quite a few specialties which were requested by guests! In Arizona, Werner could be found lawn bowling, gleaning oranges from the trees in their yard, going for walks, planning mystery trips, and creating all styles of pottery. When asked how he got involved in pottery, he would simply reply, “Have you ever seen the movie, Ghost?” Werner was extremely kind and gifted his pottery to many. He will be remembered for his generosity, his wicked sense of humor, and contagious laugh.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 25 years, Jacki Knuth, of Owatonna; his son, Bradley Knuth, of Lansing, Mich.; his “bonus children,” Mark (Barb) Sebring of Owatonna and Nancy (Rob) Mickelson of Shawano, Wis.; five “bonus” grandsons, Brian (Erin) Sebring, Michael (fiancée Emily) Sebring, Alex (Dezi) Mickelson, Teddy (Hanna) Mickelson, and Jack Mickelson; two “bonus” great grandchildren, Spencer and Everett; and nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed.
Werner was preceded in death by his brothers, Harlan and Delbert, and his sister, Marie Rommel.
A funeral service for Werner Knuth will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Ave., Owatonna. Pastor Chris Meester will officiate. Visitation will begin at the church at 11 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Celebration of life will follow at the Owatonna Arts Center from 2-4 p.m., 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna. Burial will take place at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred in Werner’s name to Oak Hill Community Connections, online at www.oakhillcc.care or by mail at 134 Southview St., Owatonna, MN 55060; or Community Pathways, online at www.communitypathwayssc.org or by mail at 155 Oakdale St., Owatonna, MN 55060.