In Memory of John Knabenbauer
October 19, 1965 – November 28, 2007

John Knabenbauer, a Caltrans Equipment Operator II, was killed in the line of duty on November 28, 2007.  He was removing an object on Interstate 215 in San Bernardino near the 5th Street off-ramp when a motorist exiting the ramp struck him.  John was a 17-year veteran of the Department and began his career in District 7 in May of 1990 in the Landscape Division as a Maintenance Worker. He transitioned to Highway Maintenance in July 1992 through September of 1995. After his five year tenure in District 7 serving Los Angeles County, he transferred to District 8, Riverside, on October 1, 1995.  He was promoted to Caltrans Equipment Operator II in Riverside on November 1, 2000.  He then transferred to the Fontana Maintenance yard on July 16, 2005.

John was well liked by his co-workers and was a dedicated employee to the Department. John’s dream since he was a child was to work with roads. He was delighted as he grew older to find out that people actually were paid to work on state highways. President Bush commended John for his work during the 2003 Old Fire. He and his family resided in Fontana. He is survived by his wife Jeanette, his 18 year-old daughter Alyssa, his father Robert and his sister Cindy.

John is the 12th employee in District 8 to lose their life in the line of duty.  Over 1,000 Caltrans workers attended John’s funeral with over 500 Caltrans vehicles in the procession to the cemetery.  His commitment to his career with Caltrans was evident in the way he lived and he will be truly missed.

Highway Worker Safety

In Memoriam