William Lee Knitig

William Lee Knitig (Bill) passed away peacefully at his home,after wrestling with a variety of health-related issues, surrounded by his wife and children on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the age of 77.

Bill was born in Goodland, Kansas, on May 3, 1947, to Kenneth William Knitig and Marylee Onie Meadows. Bill married Annette Louise Clark on February 22, 1972 in Goodland, Kansas. Bill loved his family and honorably and proudly served his country. In 1967 Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent overseas to Vietnam where he saw action as a gunner on a CH-53 helicopter crew. Bill joined the Army Reserves National Guard in 1985. Bill was again activated for duty as a reservist for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991. Bill was honored with numerous decorations, medals, and ribbons during his service until he retired in 2008 from the military. “Semper Fi” and “Ooh-rah”

Bill attended the Northwest Kansas Area-Vocational Technical School and graduated from Carpentry in May 1973. In the seventies and early eighties Bill worked for Wane’s Carpet and Drapery. Following his service to Wane’s, Bill worked at the Husky Truck Stop as a fuel attendant for several years before finishing his working career at the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer. Bill retired in 2009 and was able to spend many years enjoying activities with his grandchildren. Bill loved the outdoors especially fishing and target shooting with his grandchildren (even in the backyard on occasion).

Bill is survived by his wife Annette Knitig of Goodland, Kansas; children, Patricia (Jerry) Langley of Grainfield, Kansas, Dan (Sherri) Knitig, Kelly (Kyle Hawks) Hillman, Billie Knitig, and Leslie (Jacob) Ries all of Goodland, Kansas. Eighteen (18) Grandchildren: James (Kim) Mayfield, Jack (Mindy) Mayfield, Amanda (Jonathan) Hejny, Christian Mayfield, Brooklyn Langley, Caleb Langley, Jordan (Marty) Edwards, Cole (Raynie) Knitig, Chelsey (Cole) Holzmeister, Natashia (Rusty) Short, Meadow Hillman, Kadon Rickard, Devon Rickard, Havon Rickard, Jazmon Rickard, River Wood, Grayson Ries, and Liam Ries. Seventeen (17) Great-grandchildren: Jaden Mayfield, Axel Mayfield, Kinley Mayfield, Bennett Mayfield, Addyson Mayfield, Jacob Mayfield, Andrew Frecks, Hunter Frecks, Matthew Balentine, Harper Hejny, Tatew Hejny, Jacelyn Edwards, Callum Knitig, Brentlee Diehl, Ellouise Short, Braden Short, Alaina Gutierrez, Onyx Rohrenback.  Bill is also survived by a brother Tom Knitig of Sturgis, South Dakota.

Preceding Bill in death were his mother Marylee Knitig, father Kenneth Knitig, step-mother, Estella Knitig, brother Rhoncen Knitig, sister Margaret DeFord, and infant brother Charles Knitig.

Graveside service with military funeral honors for Bill will be Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. MT at the Goodland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Fort Hays Tech|Northwest (formerly NWKTC) for the William and Annette Knitig Scholarship Fund and mailed to: Fort Hays Tech|Northwest, PO Box 668, Goodland, KS 67735. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com