Clifford E. Knowles

Clifford E. Knowles, 89 of Rockford, IL, passed away Monday, December 10, 2018 surrounded by family. Born May 2, 1929, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Ethel Knowles. Cliff was a proud and patriotic veteran serving in the United States Marine Corp. Cliff met and married the love of his life, Ruby Thomas. They celebrated life and marriage for 52 years when she passed away in 2001. Cliff managed Rockford Bakery for many decades and went on to become a consultant in the baking industry for many more years. In retirement, Cliff enjoyed traveling and taking river cruises. He also became a craftsman and woodworker, building cherished rocking horses for his grandchildren. Cliff was a family man, always letting them know how much they were loved. Cliff was kind and easy to talk to. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, joking ways and love of polka music. 
A special thank you to the staff at NorthPointe and Beloit Hospice for all the wonderful care and compassion shown to our father. You are all truly angels! 
Clifford is lovingly survived and will be missed by his children, Sandy Rye, Debbie (Kevin) Lohmeier, Don Knowles, Kim Lafferty, Paul Knowles and Gary Knowles; grandchildren, Melissa Wagner, Chris Knowles, Jeremy Knowles, Katrina Vaughan, Mary Knowles, Jason Lohmeier, Charissa Lohmeier, Eric Lohmeier, Michelle Knowles, Kristina Cash, Timothy Hurkmans, Samantha Lafferty, David Knowles and Kayla Knowles and several beautiful great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Preceded in death by his wife and sons, Mark and Ken Knowles.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road with visitation starting at 11:30 a.m.  Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.  To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.