Luke Pruss-Knotts

Luke Pruss-Knotts, age 19, passed away tragically in a motorcycle accident in Joliet, IL on August 22, 2024. He was born to Jeff Knotts and the late Kristin Heffernan on December 8, 2004 in Joliet.

It is often said that the best amongst us are taken too soon from this life. Those words have perhaps never been truer than in this experience. Luke was as impressive a young man as he was kind. After his mother’s passing, Luke was raised by his dear grandparents, Ron and Donna Pruss. They loved him completely, and he loved them even more. In recent years, he made the sacrifices necessary to provide them with the medical care and assistance that has allowed them to continue to live the life to which they have been accustomed. He has been their strength, their consistency, and their companion. Wise beyond his years, Luke has proven time and again that a person can achieve wonderful things if they are willing to work for them. Whether as a budding young entrepreneur or in his role as a recently hired apprentice for Mr. Electric in Naperville, the future certainly looked bright for this young man. He’s been a lifelong fisherman, a huge Chicago Sports fan (he was really excited about this year’s Bears team), and a knowledgeable and skilled gear head who always enjoyed a car show. One of his most memorable characteristics was his infectious sense of humor. Often referred to as “the mayor” with many special and close friends, Luke quite simply brought joy to all those around him. He was especially close with his nephew John and his cousin Zachary who considered Luke a mentor as much as a relative.

He is survived by his father Jeff (JoAnn) Knotts, his grandparents Ron Sr. and Donna Pruss, his brothers Travis (Stephanie) Carroll, Alex Knotts, and Jack (Ashley) Knotts, his paternal aunt Tammy (Mark) Eissens, uncle Ron (Sherese) Pruss Jr., maternal uncle Jim (Mariella) Heffernan, and aunt Kelly (Ken) Labedz. Luke is also survived by several nephews, cousins, and his canine brothers Wrigley and Ricky who will miss him dearly.

Luke is preceded in death by his mother Kristin Heffernan.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 27, 2024 from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1705 Burry Circle Dr. Crest Hill, IL at 10:00 am on Thursday August 29, 2024 with interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1320 E. Cass St. Joliet, IL. Since Luke was such an avid Chicago sports fan, the family invites you to please wear your favorite teams gear to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family feels that Luke would appreciate donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) given the excellent care that he has provided to his grandfather Ron Sr. Donations can be made directly to the foundation or given to a family member who will apply to a matching donation.