Obituary: William L. Knudson

February 12, 1936 ~ January 24, 2021

William L. Knudson, 84, of Sturgeon Bay, died Sunday morning January 24, 2021 with family at his side.

He was born February 12, 1936 in Baileys Harbor the son of the late Leslie and Viola (Root) Knudson.  Prior to starting high school in 1949 he attended Appleport School. Bill served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1961.  On February 11, 1956 he married Shirley Ann Paschke at St. Peters Ev. Lutheran Church.

His working career started with owning the Sinclair gasoline service station in Sturgeon Bay on 3rd Avenue prior to working at Palmer Johnson Yachts.  Bill then was employed with Meyer Klass Trucking driving semi’s before he went to work for Edgerton Contractors and finally with Mashuda Road Construction.  Bill retired as a heavy equipment operator with Mashuda after 28 years.

He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 139 for 55 years.   Bill could fix anything and was a skilled mechanic.  He also enjoyed refinishing furniture.  

Survivors include his daughter, Jodie (Elmer) Baacke of West Allis; three grandchildren, Michael (Annie) Knudson (and their son, Isiah), Anna (Jeff) Burns (their children, Logan and Alexis), Patrick (Carrie) Knudson (their son, Tommy); his special friend, Donna McDonald and was like a second father to Lynne Rabach Urban and her family. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, son, Dale (1996), granddaughter, Amber Ripple (2013), brothers, Edward and Carroll Knudson, ½ brother, Leslie Knudson Jr; and one sister, Anita Pautz.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (January 30, 2021) at St. Peters Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Carl Schroeder officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at Shiloh Moravian Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Huehns Funeral Home and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. COVID protocols will be in place.  Temperature will be taken, masks required, and sanitizer provided along with social distancing observed. 

Memorials may be made in his memory to St. Peters Ev Lutheran Church.                                                    

Sign online register, share memories, photos and offer condolences at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com