Good Morning,

Hi, I'm Margaret, one of the four children of Don and Pat Knize. Donnie, Mary, Tom and I would like to share with you some fond memories we have of our Dad.

Dad was born in Oak Lawn, IL on this day 80 years ago. He was the youngest of 5 children which included Uncle Howard, Aunt June, Aunt Delores and Aunt Louise all of whom have preceded him in death.

His father died when Dad was 3 years old. When talking about his childhood Dad would say how they always had plenty of “Wind Soup” to eat and how he learned to read by reading advertisements on the sides of the buses. He said he didn't know he was poor until someone told him – but hearing that made no difference to our Dad. 

His mom passed away when he was 11 and his sisters took on the responsibility of raising him…..not an easy task. We recall Dad telling the story of the day the Bohemian Orphanage came to the house. There was a knock at the door; Aunt June opened the door with: “Can I help you?” …allegedly standing there with her shot gun locked and loaded; now we don't really know if they owned a gun, but the story was clear that there was absolutely no way Aunt June was going to let them take Dad to the orphanage.

It is true, as a family, they did not have much in a material way, but Dad used to tell us that: “Thanks to Old Man Hovee, a neighbor, they never ran out of heating fuel.” From a very early age Dad learned about un-wavering commitment and generosity.

It wasn't until we were young adults that we started to hear the stories of Dad's youth, which probably was a good thing….suffice it to say he presented many challenges to Aunt June and by the grace of god she was able to endure them and kept him on a marginally straight and narrow path. 
At 16 years old Dad agreed to go on a blind date to the Oak Lawn Round-up with some of his friends. It was at the Round- up that he met our Mom …and her other blind date. Our Dad ever the optimist was in no way deterred and after 3 years of dating he did propose.

Now there are many stories of Dad barely getting through High School, not academically speaking, but rather due to his and his friend's mischievous ways. It follows that the influence of that one woman, the love of his life, our mom had a profound effect on Dad. He enrolled in college, worked full time at Midway Airport and dated our Mom across town. When he decided to propose, Grandma agreed to help him pick out the ring. Grandma went all the way out to Oak Lawn to pick him up. She knocked and knocked and knocked on the door, but was unable to wake Dad up, so she left…..not a good way to start-off with your future Mother-in-law. Dad adored Grandma and would do anything for her and Grandpa - they were never “in-laws” to him they were “mom and dad”.

On April 11, 1953 our parents married, they honeymooned in California and soon thereafter began to have us kids. Dad graduated college as an electrical engineer and went onto graduate school to earn an MBA. He even had an interim stop as an officer in the Navy – as he would say “for 2 years, 11 months and 12 days”. Dad worked at General Motors -EMD for many years, during which time he was able to get several of us kids as well as our cousins both summer and full time employment at GM. He had a strong work ethic and he instilled that in all of us. 

As I mentioned earlier I am one of 4 children, there are also 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who have had the pleasure of listening to Dad recite many of his made-up birthday rhymes and an endless number of classic poems. 

Dad was an avid reader and always had a joke to tell. For those of you who have heard Dad tell a joke, do you often wonder if our enjoyment of the joke was the actual joke or seeing how much Dad liked the joke, which would often cause him to laugh through the punch-line. He was also able to recite the oddest of poems like the Cremation of Sam McGee - a favorite of his.

Dad retained almost everything he ever read and there were countless times one of us kids would ask some obscure question to which he was able to answer, provide the documented references to support his response and further extrapolate scientific collieries which ….at a young age could be a bit overwhelming, but we relied on and found great comfort in those just responses ….our personal “Goggle” – available 24x7, no matter what topic.

Dad always wanted to have a place in Florida just like Grandma and Grandpa had - somewhere he and Mom could retire to and the kids could come and visit…notwithstanding the 2 Roll Rule – you know the rule that states you can stay for the length of time 2 rolls of toilet paper will last.  

In 2001 Mom and Dad moved full time to Jamaica Bay, he truly loved living here and making many friends even with the alligators. He had his fruit trees to tend to and warm weather year round. He would often email the Ft. Myers weather forecast to us …in December.

We are very proud of our Dad, his humble beginnings, strong sense of family, steadfast patience and generosity. He will always be our Mr. Wonderful. 

We encourage all of you to reflect on the good times and the jokes shared with Dad during his almost 80 years here. He may be gone but his memory lives on in each of us --

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD

Pat,
It is Christmas Eve and I am looking for my family members on the internet when I noticed this guest book. I did not know that Don had passed. He was a wonderful person and you two were always so perfect together. John E Anderson

Dear Pat,
We can never be separated from those we love...
because God leaves us with memories to hold and love that doesn't pass away.
And in time, we realize that our loved one lives on~
not only in a home beyond the setting sun but within our hearts.
Our prayers are with you.
Bobbie & Doug

Our thoughts and prayers are with you~
Love, 
Tim & Carol

Pat,
We send our love to your -we loved Don- You folks were so good to help us when we moved to Jamaica Bay. Don had a great sense of humor. He was a good Bonko player too!! 
We look forward to seeing you soon - we leave to go South on the Auto Train on October 13.
With love and our sympathy,
Barb and jIm

Aunt Pat,
I am so sad and sorry for your loss. Uncle Don was a special man and he was blessed to spend his life being loved ~ especially these past few years. My dad explained to me that he was not in pain and I am grateful that prayer was answered. I hope you find comfort in your family & memories. He is at peace with God. It is what we all live to achieve ~ life with our Father. May God bless you.
All our love,
Holly, Brian & Ainsley

May you find peace, Pat
When peace comes to a loved one 
And you know their pain is through
And that you eased their suffering
The best that you could do...
When peace comes to a loved one~
and finally you must part~
May memories of the love you shared help to ease your heart.
Love, Shirley & George

Pat and Family,
Our prayers are with you.
Shirley & Al

Our thoughts & prayers are with you 
Bob & Karen

Dear Pat & Family,
Thinking of you at this time.
Patty & Bill

Aunt Pat,
I am sorry to hear that you've lost Uncle Don. You must feel lost after so many great years together. You'll continue to be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Love, Kimberly, Vince, Shannon, Abbey, Riley & Sean.

Dear Pat,
Thinking of you and what you and your husband shared~
the life you made,
the joy of your time together,
and the love that connected you.
those memories are just for you 
to remember as time goes on,
to help ease your sorrow,
and lead the way to peace.
With Sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bobbi & Doug

Pat,
We are so sorry about the death of Don. The best to you & family.
Martha & Bob

Pat,
Was so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you when we get to FL, which should be in about a month.
Jane

Pat,
Shirley called to tell us of Don's passing. He certainly fought the good fight. Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Jay & Mary Ann

Dear Pat,
I will always have fond memories of Don & his jokes & sense of humor.
Love & Prayers,
Sandra

Our hearts and prayers are with you always. He will be missed dearly~
God Bless~
Dale and Aledean

Dear Pat,
There are no words to express how deeply sorrowed we were to hear of Don's passing.
Don will always be remembered by us for his kindness and compassion for always helping us with anything that would be wrong. He always fixed our TV set-up with the VCR and those issues were many, always coming when we called. He had so much patience when it came to Judi's understanding of the computer and how to use it correctly.
Our times in JB were always enjoyable especially when some of it was spent in Don's company. 
His sense of humor was right up Bud's alley as sometimes it went over my head.
You and Don were so blessed to have spent "60" years together and we were grateful you let us share in your special day at church. Know that you and Don will always have a special place in our hearts.
With our deepest sympathy,
Love Bud & Judi

Sending my deepest sympathy at this sad time. May fond memories bring you comfort and may God keep you strong.
Love, Sheila
Love, Jacqueline
Love, Amanda

Pat,
I will miss Don lots! He added humor into my life each time we talked. I am so lucky to have known him.
Phyllis and Gene

Pat,
You are never ready for this - memories linger forever. I'll be praying for you.
Sally

Dear Pat and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so sorry to hear about Don. If you need anything done, call me, please.
Love,
Cathy

Dear Pat and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
All our Love,
Jim and Mar

Dear Pat and Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time and wishing you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don will certainly be missed.
Sending love and hugs,
Al & Pat

Dear Pat,
I was so sorry to hear about Don. When I saw you in the waiting room, I knew immediately something was wrong.
I wish we could have spoken longer but John was called to the back office where they have a pace maker clinic which I wasn't aware of in addition to the coumadin  clinic which he visits. 
If we can do anything to help please don't hesitate to call.
Don is in our thoughts and prayers.,
Love,
Phyllis and John

Dear Pat & Family,
We just heard from Judy Buck of Don's death. We are very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Lorrie & Terry

Mrs. Knize,
You and Mr. Knize are like family to me. It is with a heavy heart that I write this note. He will never be forgotten.
Your other favorite daughter, with love,
Janet

We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
Love,
Frank and Sue

Dear Aunt Pat,
Holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
All our Love,
Al & Gail

Aunt Pat,
I wanted you to know we have been thinking of you. We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Don's passing. He was a wonderful man. Always a smile on his face and a great story to tell. Brody still talks about the alligator t-shirt you sent him when he was little. Heaven has a new angle and a great story teller1
All our love,
Michele, Jim, Brody & Bailee

Pat, we are so sorry to hear about Don's passing. If there is anything we can do in your time of sorrow, let us know.
Don & Gloria

Dear Pat,
Molly called telling us of Don's death. She said he died peacefully and how much more time you had with him than you expected years ago. It is always good to know you have done so well and had a fruitful life together. 
We will all miss Don. We will pray for him, you and the family and hope you will contact us if we can be of any help.
Lovingly,
Jon & Mary

Dear Mrs. Knize,
My condolences to you on the recent loss of your dear husband. I enjoyed speaking with him whenever I stopped by your home. He was always full of Navy stories or his pride in this family.
I am thinking of you and hope your memories of a lifetime together will comfort you.
In sympathy,
Adrianne, social worker

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Renee, RN

Pat,
He certainly put up a good fight for so many years. He was so faithful to his exercise. I'll be talking to you.
Gretchen

Please know how sorry I was to hear about Don's passing. He was a super nice person, always so friendly even when he was so sick. I hope you are doing OK. I know how hard it is I lost my husband in 2000 after 55 years of marriage. Time & good friends (of which you have many) will help heal the loss. Ed Harkins whom I am with now sends his condolences as well he also knew Don & thought a lot of him.
Blessings,
Dottie

Dear Pat,
Marylou and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Don's passing. We will miss him too and please know you are in our hearts and prayers at this time.
Lover and hugs,
Marylou and Rick

Dear Pat and Family,
Our condolences in the loss of Don. We had the pleasure of playing Bonko with you both last season and of course I know that Don compiled the Mah Jongg winners lists. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.
John & Janet

Pat,
I'll always remember Don as a sweet and wonderful man. I will miss him a lot. My prayers are with you.
Love,
Betty

Dear Pat,
I'm at a loss as to what to say. We have such warm thoughts of Don who was always so willing to help and give advise on all our problems at JB be it electrical or computer. He was such a kind gentleman. I can only say we'll miss him, bingo won't be the same, but at least he is in a better place and free of pain. We will keep you & all the family in our prayers.
Love,
Teresa & John

Aunt Pat,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Janet
Dave

I know your heart is feeling such pain. It maybe difficult to look beyond the sorrow you feel at this time, it will be the memories and the love that you have for him that will comfort you.
Love,
Lori

I always enjoyed visiting with Uncle Don.  He would often share stories or jokes that would make everyone in the room laugh.  
He was also a generous man.  When I was twelve years of age, while Uncle Don was serving in the Navy, he brought back English racing bikes for my brother Larry and I, for Christmas.  He was also instrumental in getting me my very first real job at EMD which lasted for 38 years.
I loved him and will miss him dearly.

Pat, I will miss Don so much,his jokes, and who is going to work on my computer? We will all miss him a lot. Especially his smiling face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.........Love Betty.

Had met Mr. Knize on several occasions and was impressed with his communication skills among other things. My sincere sympathy to all those in the family.

Mr. Knize will NEVER be forgotten.  He made a difference in my life and his memory will be alive in my heart forever.  Always ready to teach...I will never look at fruit trees without thinking of him.  My heart goes out to his family.  He loved each and every one of you!  With much love and a heavy heart, Janet

To the kids, I only spent time with your father once in person. We did get to talk about Tom's projects several times on the phone. I always enjoyed talking with him and ask his advice several times. I will miss those conversations. Your dad was a very good man. Please accept my condolences. Tim

OBITUARY

Donald F Knize

December 2, 1933 – September 10, 2013

Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home

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