Aaron Knosp

Aaron Clay Knosp, 59, passed away in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 8 after being struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding his Indian motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Aaron was born Oct. 2, 1960, in Fort Dodge to Lola May Kasner and Alton Andrew Knosp Sr.

Aaron attended Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Fort Dodge Community College and Auto Mechanic School in Kansas City, Kan. In 1983, he enlisted in the Army, where he served as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Hood, Texas, and in South Korea. Aaron was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 285th AVN FC. He was honorably discharged in 1992.

At that time, he and his family moved to Tucson, where he worked at AutoZone and Checker. He also joined the Army National Guard.

As a member of the National Guard, he served in Operation Noble Eagle on the Arizona/Mexico border (2002). He returned to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-05) and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (2006-08). 

He received numerous awards and medals for his service, including two Army Commendation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and four Army Achievement Medals, among many others. He retired from the National Guard with the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 in 2014.

Aaron enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, hunting, computers and working out. One of his hobbies was to collect and repair computers and donate them to a nonprofit organization which passed them on to students in the public schools.

He also enjoyed gardening, and his chickens and goats were a source of happiness. He loved his Indian motorcycle and rode with various groups including the Legion Riders.

Aaron was known for his kindness, caring, camaraderie and his quirky sense of humor. He was full of “dumb jokes,” but coming from him and with his unique delivery, they made you laugh.

Aaron will be remembered as a good brother, loving husband and father, and an advocate for and dear friend to many of his comrades in the military and National Guard.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alton A. Knosp Jr.; and his wife of 29 years, Chong Kyu (Kami) Knosp.

He is survived by his sisters, Suzanne Knosp, of Tucson, and Samantha M. Knosp, of Grand Junction; his brothers, Boyd M. Knosp, of Iowa City, and Erik K. Knosp, of Lynnfield, Mass.; his children, Hannah and Jimmy Dechant, of Denver; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Aaron will be interred at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Marana, Ariz. A military service will be held this fall.