William Knowlton

LAMOILLE — William J. "Bill" Knowlton, 67, of LaMoille died unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at OSF Saint Anthony's Hospital in Rockford.

Bill was born Feb. 8, 1952, in Mendota to Duane H. and Ida C. (Greenwold) Knowlton. He married Kathy Bauer on March 25, 1981, in Ottawa.

Bill resided in Mendota most of his life. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1970. He worked at GTE, Hulcher's, Wayside Press and Carpenters Union Local 272 with W. E. O'Neil and Continental Builders.

He was a member of Mendota Golf Club and VFW Auxiliary, and was past president of the VFW Men’s Auxiliary. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, card games and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Knowlton of LaMoille; two daughters, Rachel Green of Mendota and Staci Forbes (Kenny Shrimplin) of LaMoille; one son, Andrew (Amber) Knowlton of LaMoille; four brothers, Delbert Knowlton of Mendota, Larry (Martha) Knowlton of Olney, Gerald “Pete” (Linda) Knowlton and Kevin (Lori) Knowlton, both of Mendota; five sisters, Marlene (Jim) Sloan of Mendota, Beverly (Jim) Muzzarelli of Cherry, Barbara Heinzeroth of Mendota, Marilyn (Ronald) Hopps of LaMoille and Kathie (Kent) Biederstedt of Mendota; five grandchildren, Ragen, Abram, Karli, Kenzi and Aria; one great-grandson, Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Charlotte Walker, Janet Blackwell and Connie Drummer; and one brother, Donald Knowlton.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the First United Methodist Church in Mendota with the Rev. Mary Bohall officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Mendota VFW Post 4079.

Memorials may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation or donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.