William "Bill" Knowles

William “Bill” J. Knowles 87 of Watertown passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Bill was born on April 28, 1931 in Easton, PA the son of George and Mabel (Van Holten) Knowles. He served with the U.S. Army from 1953-55.  He married the love of his life, Marilyn Richardson on May 25, 1958 in Fredericksburg, IA and the couple enjoyed 60 years together.  Bill worked as a plant engineer at JG Van Holten’s in Waterloo for his entire working career. Bill was proud of the fact that he created a self-propelled pickle picker. He was formerly active with the Waterloo Methodist church and the Waterloo Historical Society.  Bill was also a farmer and grower and was known for his watermelons at Heritage Homes. He had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed a good pun.

Survivors include: Wife Marilyn of Watertown; Children Mahna (Gary) Grossman of Fort Atkinson, Michael (Sue)  of Irmo, SC, Marlys Schmidt of Waterloo and Mark (Trish) of Maryville, MO; 11 Grandchildren Ben (Laura), Becky (Matt Alberts), Alex, Hannah (Chris), Krista, Ted (Brianna), Mindy (Andy), Missy, Sara, Jessica and Emily; 8 Great Grandchildren Madilyn, Peter, Joseph, Lorelei, Edwin, Vivian, Everett and Etta; Brother Robert of Chicago, IL; Sister Muriel Boyle of Sun Prairie. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Son-in- Law Dr. Benjamin Schmidt and Brother-in-Law Pat Boyle.

A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeffery Meyer presiding.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.