Obituary of Willard Knechtel

<h1>Willard Knechtel</h1> 1909 – 2008 Passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at Highgate Retirement Residence, Ancaster on Monday, September 15, 2008 at the age of 99 years. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lorraine Ivey (1995). Loving father of Robert Knechtel (Barbara Rozell-Knechtel) of Kitchener and John (Rosemary) Knechtel of Ancaster. Proud and loving grandfather of Laurie (Scott) Starra, Brad Knechtel (fiancé Jessica Patton), Andrew Knechtel and Stephen (Marianne) Witter and special “grandpa grandpa” to Chloe and Meg Starra, Kyle and Ryan Witter. He will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews Tim (Diana) Knechtel, Paul Knechtel (Lisa), Ross (Margaret) Knechtel, Donna Ivey, Norma Kelly, and dear friend Shirley Schweitzer. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Knechtel, his brother Ross Knechtel and niece Sonya Ivey. Bill had a deep personal faith and commitment to his church. He was a long-time, active member of First United Church in Waterloo where he served as Treasurer for 20 years. He was a Past President and Treasurer of the Waterloo Lions Club. Bill played many key roles in strengthening Waterloo as a community and in building the Royal Bank into an important part of Uptown Waterloo. He was involved with numerous community organizations including the VON and the initial fundraising efforts that resulted in the founding of the University of Waterloo. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Ancaster Rotary Club for his commitment to family, friends and community. Baseball played a major part in Bill’s life, attending countless games and always cheering for his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. He loved walking to and from work and long walks around his Waterloo and more recently Ancaster. Retirement years included gardening and a cottage at Bruce Beach and until recently taking organ lessons. The Knechtel family wishes to thank Dr. Kim McCallum, Clare Aiken, Ed Bryja and the entire staff at Highgate Retirement Home, Ancaster for their exceptional care and compassion. Memorial visitation will take place at Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo, on Friday September 19 from 6-8 p.m., and will continue on Sunday, September 21 at 2p.m. at First United Church, 16 William Street W., Waterloo. The memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life and faith will follow at 3 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parlour of First United Church. Private interment will take place in the family plot at Mt. View Cemetery, Cambridge. On Saturday, October 4 at 2 p.m. a memorial service will be held at Highgate Retirement Home, 325 Fiddler’s Green Road, Ancaster with a reception to follow. All are welcome. In memory of Bill donations may be made to First United Church, Waterloo or Ryerson United Church, Ancaster and can be arranged through the funeral home 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com In Living memory of Bill, a tree will be planted through the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.