Harlow A. Kneser

On July 10, 2016, heaven embraced a new band leader. The family of Harlow August Kneser mourns the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His engaging smile and joy of music will be remembered and cherished by all those who knew him.

Harlow was born on July 6, 1924, the son of Edwin and Alona (Staatz) Kneser.
At the age of 6, he learned to play the accordion. At 14, he began playing with Milwaukee area bands. Thus began his long and fulfilling life of music.

Harlow married Geraldine Heckel in 1948, and shortly thereafter, moved his family to Waukesha. A professional musician, accomplished on many instruments, he was the proud owner of the Waukesha Music Center, serving the community for 45 years. His musical career brought joy to countless people, including his many young band students. Harlow was a hit at family gatherings, playing his accordion or piano as everyone sang along. Polka music and Harlow became synonymous.

Harlow was a veteran of World War II, receiving his Wings in the Army Air Force. Being able to participate in the Honor Flight brought his service full circle.

Always humble, Harlow was known for his smile and his honesty. He was a man of great faith and was generous to a fault. He loved deeply and was most proud of his family. His affable nature and kindness won the hearts of his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed.

Harlow is survived by his wife of 68 years, Geri; his four children, Kathryn (Joseph) Arena, Karolyn (Regge) Krueger, Susan (Thaddeus) Kearney, and Peter (Chris) Kneser. He is also survived by grandchildren, Rebecca (Martin) Cheman, Clare (Scott) Haden, Amy (Wade) Kolman, Katie (Thomas) Sam, Jeff (Rachel) Krueger, Jane (Nathan) Mathes, Maura (Alan) Cosgrave, Ellen Arena and Patrick Kearney. His great-grandchildren are Luke and Molly Cheman, Benjamin Haden, Ava, Maya and Leo Kolman, Kiefer Sam, Skylar and Shep Krueger, and Julian Mathes. Harlow also leaves a sister, Marie Mueller.

Harlow was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris, his cherished 5 year old son John, and a great-granddaughter Ella Kolman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 South Hartwell, Waukesha, WI, from 1 p.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m.
A private family burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Harlow’s name to: St. Mary Catholic Church, Waukesha Catholic, Harlow and Geri Kneser Endowment at Catholic Memorial High School, or the Avalon Square.