William L. Knudson, 84, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away 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. Peter’s 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 sister-in-laws, Sharon Iverson 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, half-brother, Leslie Knudson, Jr; and sister, Anita Pautz.
Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay with a devotion to be held at 6:45 p.m. Due to COVID-19 gathering limitations, dual-chapel occupancy at the funeral home will be limited to 50 people (25 people per chapel, including family).
Visitation will continue at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Carl Schroeder officiating. Due to COVID-19 gathering limitations, church sanctuary occupancy will be limited 50 people.
Burial with military honors follow at Shiloh Moravian Cemetery.
Those attending the visitations and/or funeral service are to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.
The funeral service will be LIVESTREAMED at 11:00 a.m. via the “Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC” Facebook page. Those anticipating viewing the service online are encouraged to “Like” the funeral home Facebook page any time prior to the funeral or go to the webpage (www.facebook.com/HuehnsFuneralHome) to receive notification of the live broadcast. If livestreaming is not possible, the service recording will be uploaded to the funeral home Facebook (web)page within a day.
Memorials may be made in his memory to St. Peter’s Ev Lutheran Church.
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of William may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
