William "Billy" Knaus

Funeral Mass for William Louis “Billy” Knaus, 75, of rural Gilbert, will be 10:30am Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Charles Flynn as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial with military honors will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. He died Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. William was born December 23, 1940 in Eveleth, MN to Louis and Frances (Rebrovich) Knaus. He was a 1959 graduate of Gilbert High School and later married Karen Pontinen on September 21, 1963 in Gilbert. He worked for Erie Mining Company as an oiler and later was drafted into the US Army where he served at Ft. Sill, OK as a Sergeant. Following his military service, he returned to Gilbert where he lived as an entrepreneur and businessman. Billy owned and operated Mr. K’s Saloon, Michael’s Auto Sales, Gilbert Blacktop and Michael’s Oil. Throughout the years he owned, operated or was involved in other business ventures too numerous to mention. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, The Eshquaguma Club, The Gilbert American Legion and the Eveleth Elks Club. Billy enjoyed making his daily stop at Nick’s in Gilbert, trips to Las Vegas and golfing. He especially cherished time spent with the grandkids. Survivors include his son, Michael (Jodi) Knaus of Gilbert; grandchildren, Alex and Jaclyn; sister, Martha (James) Fritz; and several nieces and nephews and many cherished friends that were like family to him. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Karen.