John Kownatzki
June 16, 1960 — June 15, 2017
John B. Kownatzki, 56, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed from this life on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at his home following complications from Alzheimer's Disease.
Born on June 16, 1960, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Johannes Kownatzki and the late Elisabeth L. (Bothmann) Kownatzki. He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, but his disability did not prevent him from enjoying life.
He was an avid Washington Redskins fan and greatly enjoyed many other spectator sports. While music was his main passion, other interests included bowling, swimming, basketball and racquet ball.
Johnny was employed by the state of Maryland, working at Maryland University for 22 years until his retirement in 2004.
He is survived by his sister, Ingrid Jenkins and her husband, Keith, of Thurmont, MD and his brother, Carl H. Peiers and wife, Sue, of Knoxville, TN; two local nieces,Deborah Jenkins and Sandra Sabatini and her husband, Alan and family; three local cousins, Barbara Fishell, Heti Erich, Regina O'Rourke and family, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in different states as well as Europe.
A celebration of John's life journey took place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 East Main Street in Thurmont, MD.