Robert Dean Knauer, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the home of his son, Tony (Linda), in Rochester, Minnesota.

Robert had lived with his son for the last five years. Robert was born April 29, 1927, to Joseph and Grace (Capretz) Knauer in Austin, Minnesota. He was the eldest of two sons. As a child he grew up in one of the first houses in Austin located next to Knauer’s Market in downtown Austin. At age 16 he entered the United States Merchant Marine, attending basic training at Sheepshead Bay, New York. He served on ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He was honorably discharged by the US Coast Guard in August of 1945. Upon returning to Austin he was provided a diploma from Columbus High School (later known as Pacelli). He also served in the Minnesota National Guard Company H, 135th Infantry Regiment from which he was honorably discharged in 1949. In 1950, he married Dorothy Battey. They resided in Austin and later moved to Rochester. Due to his father’s health he returned to Austin to manage and later own Knauer’s Meat Market. He represented the third generation of the Knauer family to operate the meat market which has been in operation in Austin for over a century. In his early years he was also very involved with motor racing in southern Minnesota, building and owning racecars. He was also owner of Discount Car Sales for over 50 years and collected vintage cars. He loved art and music, especially big band and jazz. He got to express his art with window and sign painting in the meat market. His passion was operating the meat market and the art of meat cutting. He took great pride in stocking a good-looking meat counter and having satisfied customers, serving generations of the same families.

Robert trained many young apprentice meat-cutters who went on to work in the industry. He considered the store as the last small independent meat / grocery store in Mower County surviving the growth of corporate chain stores.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Robert passed in peace, knowing the Lord’s promise of grace and eternal life. This was a great comfort to him in his final days.

Survivors include his sons: Mark (Marlene) Knauer, Anthony (Linda) Knauer, and Patrick Ginter; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; one Aunt, Joan (Capretz) Coffman; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; his parents; and brother, Warren Knauer.

A mass of Christian burial will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2015, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Visitation is from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.