Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. Survived by: Rose (Ampleman) Knowles his wife of 44 years; Killian Knowles (son); Ellen (Knowles) Wobbeking (sister) Nieces (11), nephews (16), great-nieces (15), great nephews (13), great-great nieces (2) and great-great nephew (1).
Also survived by many friends made throughout his life: through his work for the City of Saint Louis; while playing golf and bocce, while cycling, or while working out at the YMCA; friends from St. Ambrose parish; friendships formed with Baseball Dads and Moms over many years traveling together to baseball tournaments; POHH (weekly happy hour /world traveling group); and beloved childhood friend Glen Ammons.
Preceded in death by: William John Knowles (father), Margaret Agnes Knowles (mother), William J. Knowles Jr. (brother), James J. Knowles (brother), Theresa C. Bates (sister), Margaret M. Knowles (sister)
Ed was born in Albia, Iowa and grew up on the family farm in Melrose, Iowa. He graduated in 1971 from Iowa State University with a BS degree in Business and Psychology; and in 1973 with a MS in Industrial Psychology. Ed was a devoted City of Saint Louis employee for 40 years managing six different sections within the Department of Personnel over the course of his tenure. Ed also worked for one year with the City of Kansas City Department of Personnel. Ed was active in human resource professional organizations and attained certifications specific to his work. Ed also completed coursework (ABD) toward a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis.
Ed and Rose met in 1973 as co-workers in the Department of Personnel, married in 1976, and in 1993 they traveled to Ukraine to bring home their son. Of all the roles in life Ed was most proud of being Dad and best buddy to Killian. Ed was constantly striving to pass on to Killian personal values he learned on the farm and believed in: family, faith, and education.
Ed was proud to be a brother-in-law and uncle Ed and sometimes "uncle Jesus". He was dearly loved by 58 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great great nieces and a great great nephew.
Ed also loved and talked about all the dogs in his life, from Boots on the farm to Cyclone, Millie, Yugi, and finally Smokey. Ed walked his dogs every day of their lives and often singing to them with songs he made up using their name. Ed was an avid sports fan of the Iowa State Cyclone basketball team and the St Louis Cardinals.
Ed retired from the City of Saint Louis in 2014 and spent his time cycling (completed two RAGBRAI events), volunteering, reading, working crossword puzzles, walking and hiking, and traveling domestically and internationally. He also enjoyed listening to local musicians at his favorite venues like the Boathouse in Forest Park, and Venice Café in Soulard.
Funeral Arrangements:
Gifted his body to Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Center for Anatomical Science and Education-
Memorial Mass: St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Saturday, October 24th, 2:00 pm
If desired, donations in Edmund’s name may be made to,
Peter and Paul Community Services (PPCS); 2612 Wyoming Street, Saint Louis, MO 63118-2402, ppcsinc.org or The Backstoppers Inc., PO Box 795168, Saint Louis, MO 63179-0700 [email protected]
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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