Leon M. Knox

Leon M. Knox, 83, passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital on October 19, 2025, following a lengthy struggle with various health issues. Leon was born on September 20, 1942, in Denver, CO to Howard and Bertha Knox. He grew up going to school in Englewood, CO and graduated from Englewood High School in 1960. He studied and completed an apprenticeship in the IBEW 8th District trade and became a licensed electrician in 1965. He worked on many industrial projects in Denver and the surrounding area. He married Alice O’Connell in 1962 and together they had four children. He bought land in Berthoud, CO and built a prefab two-story home for his family. They divorced in 1979. He then lived in Windsor, CO until marrying Arlene Van Winkle on November 25, 1989, and joined her in her home in Fort Collins. He continued to work for the Local Union #68 until 1994 when he went to work for the City of Longmont Water District as an electrician. He retired in 2004 so he could spend his time fly fishing, gardening and traveling. He was a devoted, active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he had many friends. He was very involved at St. John’s as a Trustee, running the sound system during church services, and making the Sunday morning coffee. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for many years. Leon was an avid fly fisherman, always tying his own flies. He and Arlene enjoyed bowling in a league with friends for several years. He joined a “painting group” at St. John’s and was getting quite skilled with watercolors. Leon and Arlene traveled with their 5th wheel to many places throughout the U.S. Leon is survived by his wife of 35 years, Arlene; his daughter, Carey Klosterman (Ryan); his stepdaughter, Kristi Kreisher (Jerry); his stepson, Randy Van Winkle (Misty); six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two step-great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Ardelle Luna (Jake), and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry, his son Bradley, his son Barry, his daughter Jana, and his step-granddaughter Kelsi. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 24th at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fort Collins. A reception in the Large Fellowship Hall at St. John’s will follow the service and interment. Contributions in Leon’s memory may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Foundation or the LCMS Foundation. The family thanks all the PVH doctors and caregivers for their kind and loving care.