William H. "Bill" Knock, 90, Sanborn

A memorial service for William H. “Bill” Knock will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin, with Pastor Judy Johnson officiating.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Mandy Knock, Stacey Knock, Merron Knock Abbas, Kelli Hartmann Davis, Tyler Knapp, Dave Hartmann, Blaine Moen and Tom Graves, II. Interment will be in Baker Township Cemetery at Melvin, with military graveside rites conducted by the Melvin American Legion, Reed Guthrie Post #470. Sanborn Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

William Henry “Bill” Knock, only son of Henry and Ann (Thee) Knock, was born Jan. 10, 1932 in Melvin. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. He received his education at the Melvin Community School, graduating with the Class of 1950.

Following high school, Bill served his country during the Korean War as a radio operator for the 933rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery B, Company D, 77th Armored Division of the United States Army, with the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned home to farm with his father.

Bill was united in marriage to Marjorie Angeline Colling on Sept. 4, 1955, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. They began farming together three miles north and one-half mile east of Melvin, relocating in the early 1970’s to the farm of Bill’s parents, two miles north and 1-1/2 miles east of Melvin. This was “home” for 30-plus years and where they raised their four children: Jim, CoAnne, Steve and Krystal.

While Bill’s heart would always be tied to his agricultural heritage, he took time to enjoy other pursuits as well. The league he bowled with was recognized as champions at the 1962 American Bowling Congress. When there was time, he and Margie loved to go dancing and eventually taught all their kids the “art” of polka. They remained involved in their children’s school activities and sporting events, becoming die-hard Melvin sports fans. In later years, traveling was something Bill and Marge enjoyed doing together. Over a span of a couple years they visited every county courthouse in Iowa and took in several organized bus trips, seeing different parts of the United States and making memorable trips to Alaska and Australia. When they weren’t on the road, Bill might be found out on the golf course or holding a pool cue with his eye on the side pocket. Of course, he was always up for a wild game of cards. His vocal talent ranged from the church choir to his favorite Roger Miller tunes, particularly, “King of the Road” and “You Can’t Roller-Skate in a Buffalo Herd.”

Bill and Margie left the country in 2010 and moved into the town of Sanborn where they continued to make memories with their kids and grandchildren. There was now more time to devote to another favorite pastime, woodworking. He had built custom cabinets for their first home and more recently helped build display cases for the Vander Haag Museum in Sanborn, sometimes traveling with John in search of worthy collectibles. Bill was a member of the American Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #470, both in Melvin.

Bill passed from this life on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, at the age of 90 years. Preceding him were his beloved wife, Margie (2020); his son, Jim (2022); his parents, Henry and Ann Knock; and a sister, Sandra Knock.

He is survived by his children: CoAnne (Dave) Hartmann, of Boone; Steve (Christine) Knock, of Ankeny; and Krystal (Blaine) Moen, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters: Judy Graves, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Janet Skjei, of Wayzata, Minn.; as well as other relatives and friends.