Bill Knoll, of Frontenac, Kansas, died unexpectedly in Prairie Village, Kansas on March 26, 2023, at the age of 62.
He was born on November 2, 1960, to John M. and Helen Fowler Knoll in Pittsburg, Kansas, one of four brothers and three sisters in the Knoll family.
He loved unconditionally, had an inquisitive mind, a gentle spirit, a rapturous smile, and a quirky sense of humor that drew people to him wherever he went.
Bill was in the first special education class in Frontenac and attended Lone Star School in Pittsburg, before moving on to CLASS LTD, where he was a student and received day services.
He loved to swim, travel (especially to Hawaii), Mr. Rogers, Grandma Hays, Richard Simmons, Julia Child, and Emergency! reruns, the Sesame Street characters (especially Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby), listening to his police scanner, and surfing the internet or watching old movies on his computer and iPad.
He was a longtime member of the Pittsburg YMCA, and made regular use of their pool as he loved to swim for hours on end, initially with his Dad, but following his passing, with whomever, he could get to take him there.
A great lover of music and movies, he amassed a large collection that he cataloged in his "music room", where he could be heard by family and visitors singing loudly along with his favorite tunes.
He was baptized, made his first communion, was confirmed, and attended Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Frontenac, where he loved to join the congregation in belting out "Amazing Grace".
Bill was lovingly cared for over the past few years by his sister and guardian, LoRee and her partner, Denise, as well as sisters Penny and Patty and their families. Not only did they attend to his physical care, but staged elaborate birthday parties and holiday gatherings that brought him great joy. It was a reciprocal relationship, as his love and appreciation for them was always evident.
He is survived by three brothers and three sisters: John Knoll, Jr. (Maria) of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Steve Knoll (Arnold) of Tyler, Texas; J.T. Knoll (Linda) of Pittsburg, Kansas; Penny Massa of Lenexa, Kansas; Patty Poticha of Lenexa, Kansas; and LoRee Knoll (Denise) of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, and countless cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by a stillborn brother (named Gerard, after the patron saint of expectant mothers), his father, John, who died on April 7, 2007, and his mother, Helen, who died November 19, 2022.
A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 4th, at Bedene Funeral Home, Arma, Kansas, after which the family will receive friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Josh Evans as celebrant. Burial of the cremains will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to The Essential Tremor Foundation. These may be left at the rosary or funeral service — or mailed to Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington Street, PO Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.
