Dr. Mark C. Knouse
OBITUARY
Dr. Mark C. Knouse, 70, of Allentown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Mark was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and physician. He was the husband of Judy (Hofmann) Knouse, to whom he was married for 42 years, a partnership built on unwavering devotion. He was the family’s rock and moral compass, leading by example and always putting others before himself. His dry, on-point wit made him the heart of every family gathering. Mark was looking forward to welcoming his first grandchild this spring and spoke of the love he already felt for the newest addition to the family. Born in Abington, Montgomery County, on June 2, 1956, Mark was the son of the late Walter E. and Rita (Christel) Knouse. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson College in 1978 and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1982. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Allentown Affiliated Hospitals and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Mark built a distinguished career with Lehigh Valley Health Network, practicing with LVPG Infectious Diseases in Allentown. He served as Chief of the Division from 2013 to 2022, guiding his colleagues and community through the COVID-19 pandemic with calm and compassion. Mark held his patients and peers in the highest regard, and his impact extended beyond the Lehigh Valley. He was passionate about his mission trips to Honduras and was instrumental in getting medical residents involved in the program.
Outside of medicine, Mark lived life with joy and enthusiasm. He treasured summers on Cape Cod, where evenings on the deck with a bourbon or Heady Topper in hand were among his favorite ways to unwind with family. He was an avid photographer, extensively documenting family trips, his children’s sporting events, and developing photos in his home darkroom. He brought similar enthusiasm to game day as a die-hard Eagles fan, with an occasional soft spot for the Phillies. Mark was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Allentown. He was a wonderful person who touched so many, and he is missed dearly.
Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by children Kristin A. Knouse, MD, PhD (Scott), Bryan C. Knouse (Rachel), Melissa C. Knouse, PhD (Matt), and sisters Lynn Brinker (Mark) and Kim Beidler (Andy).
Service: Family and friends may pay their respects from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, also at First Presbyterian Church. The Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmanstephens.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005 or Serving at the Crossroads, 10 W Pleasant Grove Road West Chester, PA 19382-7110