OCONTO COUNTY

Late Oconto County woman recognized by Red Cross

Kent Tempus
Green Bay Press-Gazette
Priscilla "Percy" VanLanen Knaub of Lakewood, right, is seen posing for a photo at a Red Cross blood drive.

GREEN BAY – A late Lakewood woman was among the 2021 “Heroes” recently honored by the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Priscilla “Percy” VanLanen-Knaub was recognized with the From the Heart Award.

She started helping organize blood drives in 1996 after joining the McCaslin Lioness Club, said Tara Bailey of Green Bay, the wife of one Knaub’s grandchildren, Lee Bailey.

“Her love and dedication to help others was seen in many of her actions, but her involvement in being a part of organizing the Lakewood community blood drives was near and dear to her heart,” Bailey said. “She was an inspiration for many to join and help save thousands of lives in her several decades of donating and being involved."

Knaub helped coordinate volunteers at the drives, set schedules, and run to pick up snacks and juice for donors.

Because of the pandemic, the event — called the Red Cross North East Heroes Classic — was held online. There was an online auction held in early September and video interviews with award recipients were conducted.

Bailey said Knaub, who died in October 2020 at the age of 90, would have incredibly honored to receive the award.

Priscilla "Percy" VanLanen Knaub

“I have no doubt she would be humbled … filled with tears, but yet filled with joy to know that they are people that recognize her efforts and her services and her community,” Bailey said in the video, which includes several images of Knaub.

The other 2021 Heroes were:

  • Adult Hero: Sgt. Andrew Miles (Outagamie County)
  • Animal Hero: Geller with handler Jeff Jorgenson (Winnebago County)
  • Emergency Responders: Sgt. Christopher Tappen and Deputy Cooper Walker (Brown County)
  • Youth: Parker Wilson (Outagamie County)
  • Military: Jason Ortscheid, Sam Skiff, Karsen Sherrick and Chris Rosene (Brown County)
  • Hero of the Year: Carson Molle (Outagamie County)

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Contact Kent Tempus at (920) 354-6075 or ktempus@gannett.com.