Edward W. Kniola Posted: 2021-12-28 14:31:22

Obituary

Edward W. Kniola, 94, of Woodstock, IL, formerly of Huntley, died peacefully, December 26, 2021
Edward was born January 29, 1927, the son of John and Anna Kniola. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Harmon in the Pacific Fleet where he met Eugene Keller, his life-long friend from North Dakota. On September 4, 1948, he married Dolores Vranak. For 39 years he worked for Sears, Roebuck & Co. starting in the maintenance department. He became an operations manager and was construction manager of the Sears Tower. He played the accordion, enjoyed sailing, and had a passion for restoring old cars. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
Ed is survived by his wife, Dolores, his children, Michael (Therese) Kniola, Catherine (George) Kocek, Daniel (Betsy) Kniola, Barbara (Jim Neuman) Pachla, Thomas (Marjorie) Kniola, Margaret (Glenn) Larson and Annette (Dale) Nix, by nineteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandsons, Paul, and Jeremy and by son-in-law, George.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to ww.defiorefuneral.com

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Michael Keller 2021-12-28 21:15:47

Sending thoughts, prayers and love to everyone. He was a great man and a positive influence on everyone in his life

Dwight and Susan Keller 2021-12-29 09:15:12

The lifelong friendship between the Keller and the Kniola families is a gift that 'Uncle Eddie' and Eugene passed on to their families and will be treasured. The Keller family even has Uncle Eddie to thank for helping Eugene write courting letters while they were in the service together to our mother Helen Keller! We are sorry for your loss and know your family will greatly miss him. Ed brought smiles to so many.... just think of the stories being told in Heaven and the catching up that is going on! His legacy lives on through your wonderful family. You're in our thoughts and prayers, Susan and Dwight

Elton and Cathy Richards 2021-12-29 09:23:32

Sending prayers for comfort for the family and friends who will miss him.

Karen Wehri 2021-12-29 17:39:16

Uncle EDDIE was a great person. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. The friendship between the kniola family and Keller family is a awesome thing. The friendship touched a.lot of lives. Sending prayers and hugs to your family.

Coreen and Jim Malchin 2021-12-30 08:03:33

Sending our prayers and heart felt condolences to you Dolores and your whole family. God Bless you all!

Don Kwiatkowski 2021-12-30 10:30:18

My condolences to the Kniola family. Growing up in Oak Lawn your dad was always there for me He made a great influence on my life. I will never forget all the times in the garage just talking and tinkering around May God Bless you Ed

Mara and Dominik Lukas 2021-12-30 14:43:02

Our condolences to your loss

Netza Roldan 2021-12-30 19:53:11

My deepest sympathy, and profound thoughts and prayers for Mr. Edward Kniola. A great story among the héroes of America, and beyond. A wonderful story to follow for his family, friends and community at large. May God bless him and his family. Sincer6, Netza Roldan

Helga and Eugene Niewiadomski 2021-12-31 08:22:31

Kinola Family, It is with extreme sadness that I hear of your Father passing. Helga and I have many fond memories of us being up at Lake Redstone together with your Father and Mother. Your father helped me with securing my career with Sears of which I am forever grateful. Ed was one of a kind in his friendship to us and he never had a unkind word for anyone. Please send your Mothers address just in case it has changed. I regret that Helga and I will not be able to attend the wake as we now live in Ft Myers Fl. Thank you for letting us know. Eugene and Helga Niewiadomski Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android Show more

charles J martinez MD 2022-01-01 14:23:58

I knew Ed for about 65 years. I married Dolores' first cousin, Monica. At our first meeting he was very freindly and talked in an easy manner. I admired the way Ed and Dolores raised their children--with love and expectations. I also secretly admired some of his outlandish comments he made to and about nuns and priests. I visited Ed and Dolores in Wisconsin several times. He showed me a building he had built for his hobbies. In the building were 3 o4 large cardbord boxex. They held what looked like scrap metal. He said these are all parts for a Model A Ford. I returned a year or so later and he proudly showed me the rebuilt car. I was amazed. Also when I was there, he said he had to go and pick up Dolores. I said I would go and get her for you. He said, "when you live with some for for all these years and time is running down, you want to be with her all the time". He went and picked her up. I am sure he is up there conning St. Peter about something and telling corny jokes. Thanks Ed for the opportunity of knowing you.

Millie Crowley 2022-01-02 13:41:31

Oh the memories I have. Being a newly married couple buying our first home next door to the best neighbors my husband Phil and I have ever had. Many memories also of being up at Lake Redstone as the house was being built. Also having the best babysitter in Annette Kniola (Nix). Even after moving we would reminisce about our oak lawn neighborhood and what wonderful friendships we developed. Before Phil passed we took many a drive thru the “old neighborhood “ and relived many stories. A great man, a great family he will be missed.

Marge DeWolfe 2022-01-02 13:51:14

Dan and Family - so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He had a long life and I'm sure you all have many happy memories of him. Prayers to you.

Missy Block 2022-01-02 15:06:09

We are very sorry to hear of this… hugs and prayers for comfort and peace. Memories are what gets you through sadness.

Robert Lewandowski 2022-01-02 16:16:06

To the Kniola Family, Please be assured of our prayers for you as you celebrate the life of your father and grandfather. May Edward's soul rest in Peace> Sincerely Bob and Patti Lewandowski

John & Nancy Bednarski 2022-01-02 16:17:58

To Dan and family, please accept our deepest condolences on your Dad's passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to all. Cherish all the memories that you shared together. ❤

John & Alexandrina Hupperich 2022-01-02 16:23:38

We are so sorry for your loss, our condolences to you and your family!! May he RIP

Jim Neuman 2022-01-03 09:23:03

Ed was was a good story teller, with a lot of good stories to tell. I always enjoyed hanging out with him, and Delores, and Barbara Ann, and the whole Kniola clan. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Doug and Suzie Schaeublin 2022-01-03 12:08:13

Keeping Dolores and all the family in our prayers. May you always have your sweet memories of him in your hearts.❤️

Eugene and Jody Keller 2022-01-03 14:23:54

We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers will be with you throughout this time.

Marilyn Hayes 2022-01-03 21:00:48

Dolores and Family, Anyone who knew Ed loved him including my family. I always think of breakfast with the Kniola's at Bill's after Sunday mass. They are always good memories and the picture you had in your garage of my late husband Wally was also memorable. I see Wally welcoming him in heaven.

George and Debbie Peso 2022-01-04 13:08:14

Ed was a fantastic person in more ways than the average person. My husband George and I feel it was an honored to know him. We loved his kindness, stories, fantastic attitude towards life and happiness. He was a roll model to many. He will be so missed by so, so many.

Barb and Bob DeWitt 2022-01-04 16:24:36

Our deepest condolences to the entire Kniola family. We always enjoyed Ed's company, especially his stories. Ed was definitely a family man and was so proud of all of his children and their families.