James Knothe

Naples, Florida-James Edward “Jim” Knothe, 93, passed awayon Friday, April 30, 2021 in Naples, FL. He was born on July 22, 1927 in La Crosse to the late Clemens and Helen Lucille (Dunn) Knothe.

After graduating from Aquinas High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corp serving until 1946. He was thrilled to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

He earned his degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1954. Upon graduation, he joined the architectural firm currently known as HSR & Associates in La Crosse. He was a project architect with HSR for 30 years. He managed the HSR branch office from 1974 to 1984 in Madison. In 1984 he accepted a position at Arizona State University as Director of Facilities Development. While there he oversaw the design and construction of Arizona State’s West Campus. In 1990 Jim retired from ASU but he didn’t remain idle.

Jim loved traveling and also became an avid woodworker. He crafted furniture and numerous items for his family. One of his greatest joys was traveling around the country visiting National Parks, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Donice (Peterson) Knothe, a daughter Carol (Knothe) Gongaware and three brothers; Bill, Joe and Tom. Surviving are his children with Donice; Paula (Russ) Cooper, Michael (Shirley) Knothe, Steven (Sue) Knothe, Robert (Martine), Knothe, Daniel (Sharon) Knothe, Linda (Jim) Reilly, Jean (Mike) Stacey, Mark (Traci) Knothe and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters; Ruth Bock, Rita Bakalars, Mary Saphner and a brother, Richard (Cathy) Knothe.

Jim also leaves behind his wife Beverly (Sundin) Knothe; stepdaughters Julie Sundin, Dawn (Brandon) LeValley, Karla (Bob) Freimuth, step grandchildren and numerous friends.

Memorial Services will be held at a future date at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison, WI.

Donations in Jim’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.