Joseph Knobbe

Joseph William Knobbe (82) loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday morning January 21, 2011 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Carroll Iowa on March 17th 1928 to Joseph and Christina Siepker. Joe was raised in Breda Iowa and went to St. Bernard's Catholic School where he was also an altar boy. He graduated with a degree in education from Loras College in 1948. Joe entered the Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War, he was honorably discharged in 1953. On April 13th 1953 he married the love of his life, Janet Carver who would continue to be his companion throughout their lives together. His strong work ethic and love of family began that year when he started his newspaper career for the Denison Bulletin where he worked until 1957. Later that year Joe, his young bride Janet along with their 1st son Jay relocated to Waukegan where he worked for the Waukegan News-Sun. This was a career that would span 37 years. He loved his work and the opportunity to provide for his young, growing family. Throughout his newspaper career Joe also held numerous part time jobs. After he retired from the News-Sun he drove a Pace Bus for more than 13 years, serving the community with care and compassion. Many of his passengers became lifelong friends. Joe was a tireless volunteer who was active in the Holy Name Society at St. Anastasia Church, where he was a founding member of the Pastoral Council, a Lector, CCD Instructor, and Communion Minister. He was a member of American Legion Post 281 and also volunteered for the Disabled American Veterans and Vista Health. Joe coached Little League and Pony League baseball in the Waukegan area for many years. Joe always found time for his family; he was always there with a kind word, a warm heart and an infectious smile that made everyone who ever knew him love him with all their heart. Joe enjoyed a good card game from time to time and was a member of a select group of Poker Players who've met monthly for over 40 years! Most of all Joe was the biggest Cubs fan that you've ever met and cried Cubbie Blue on a yearly basis. We all regret that Joe was never able to see the Cubs win the World Series. Joe is survived by his loving wife of more than 57 years, Janet: children Jay (Pam) Knobbe, Jan (Dave) Jasperson, Joe (Kim) Knobbe and Jim (Colleen) Knobbe: Grandchildren Erin (Scott) McLeod, Corrin (Nate) Knobbe-Blazewicz, Catherine (Adam) Knobbe- Jakaitis, Lauren (friend-Mike) Knobbe, Andrew (Rebecca) Knobbe, Christina (friend-Darin) Knobbe, Michael Knobbe and Emily Jasperson. Great Grandchildren; Joshua McLeod, Kailee Knobbe-Blazewicz, Logan McLeod and Noah Knobbe Blazewicz and 1 sister Evelyn Braden. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father Joseph and Christina Siepker , his adoptive parents Clemens and Francis Knobbe; Brothers, Clarence and Reverend Clemens Knobbe, Sisters; Dorothy, Mildred, Elsie and Mary along with many nieces and nephews. The Family would like to express special thanks to Dr. N. Dixit, Dr. A. Patel, John Davis of Star Hospice and the Staff of 5W Vista Medical Center East for their professional and loving care. Friends are asked to join the family in a remembrance of Joe's life on Tuesday January 25th from 5-8 pm at Congdon Funeral Home 3012 Sheridan Road Zion, IL. 60099 Mass of the Christian Burial will begin at 10am on Wednesday January 26th at St. Anastasia Church 624 Douglas Avenue Waukegan, IL 60085 with visitation preceding the mass from 9:30 until the time of service. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the St. Anastasia Soup Kitchen at the same address.