Kenneth O. Knowles
March 23, 1932 - March 08, 2018
Obituary
DEFOREST- Kenneth O. Knowles, age 85, of DeForest, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at his home. He was born on March 23, 1932, in Manitowoc, Wis., the son of Roy and Linda (Stienke) Knowles. Kenneth was united in marriage to Jeanette G. Kaufman on August 22, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a graduate of Lincoln High in Manitowoc and the UW Madison, School of Commerce. Kenneth worked at American Family Ins., Schmidt's Auto and in retirement, Lands End. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, serving for over 50 years in the Bay-Lakes and Glaciers Edge Councils, earning the Silver Beaver award in 1995. He was very proud that both his son’s, and two grandson’s achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Kenneth’s love for the outdoors took his wife and faithful companion Bandit, traveling and camping across America. Together they saw many beautiful places but Wyalusing State Park remained number one in his heart. Acting as Camp Hosts for over 10 years, Kenneth and his wife were committed to sharing the beauty of the park with others. He would always remind us how blessed he was to live in such a beautiful State. He was an avid UW Badger, Packer and auto racing fan, and also a member of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park and the Masonic Lodge. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Jean; sons Kenneth A. (Brenda) Knowles of Wichita, Kan. and Richard (Rita) Knowles of Manitowoc; daughters, Patricia Multerer of Poynette and Susan (Chip) Van Meter of DeForest; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; niece Kelly Knowles of Manitowoc; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Diane Knowles; and his son-in-law, Steven Multerer. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUENRAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 noon, on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, with the Rev. Dr. David McDonald presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Agrace HospiceCare. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of Wyalusing State Park, 13081 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr., Madison
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Mar 14, 2018 @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Wed Mar 14, 2018 @ 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
JF
John frey
Other •
From John Frey n family
DS
David Leila Smith
Other •
Ken was a good friend and also a mentor in scouting I enjoyed working many training's with him and especially when we were both scoutmasters of separate Brownsea troops. Just watching him work with the youth was inspirational especially when there was a scout in trouble and needed someone to talk and listen. Go in Scouting my friend you will be missed.
SH
Sarah Hiss
Other •
Sending the Knowles family love and prayers. Your in our thoughts.
Sarah, Kurt, and Brecken Hiss
MA
Michael Amposta
Other •
Our condolences to the Knowles family.
From Michael Amposta and Family.
J
jodie@schmidtsauto.com
Other •
Kenny, as we called him started working for Schmidt's Auto Inc. in the mid 60's as a part- time driver and dispatcher. Through his dedication and hard work, he was named General Manager in the 70's and maintained that position through retirement. As a innovative leader in our organization, Kenny helped shaped the operations and grow the business. He was dedicated and enjoyed training personnel and overseeing equipment needs. Kenny was a caring and understanding manager. Always willing to help, and go the extra mile (literally) to achieve the best result. He would go out of his way to assist and ensure the customers were taken care of.
May God bless and comfort you in this new life, and know you made a difference here in this life.
JW
Justin Weier
Other •
My heart felt condolences to the family. I knew Ken for years through scouting. He was a great mentor and friend.