William J. "Bill" Knowlton, 67, of LaMoille, died unexpectedly February 23, 2019 at OSF Saint Anthony's Hospital, Rockford.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, Mendota with Rev. Mary Bohall officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Bill was born February 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, 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 mens 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, 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.

Memorials may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation or donor's choice. There will be a Celebration of Life at Mendota VFW Post 4079 at 2 pm the day of the funeral.