Joseph Knors

Joseph “Joe” Michael Knors passed away 4/10/20 at the age of 90 at the William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Community Living Center Hospice Unit.

Joe was born in Racine WI to Frank and Mary (Lapata) Knors on March 8th, 1930 the 7th child of 8 born in his family.  Joe always told us the story that his parents met while they were working in a castle in Germany.  Mary was a cook/baker in the kitchen and Frank was a footman.  Joe had lots of stories of growing up in a big family in Racine.  He enjoyed being outside and especially spending time swimming/fishing in Lake Michigan.

Joe attended St. Catherine’s High School where he played basketball and met Raquel “Rocky” Urdiales who would become his wife.  He graduated high school in 1948 and went on to attend the University of Wyoming from 1949-1951.  He interrupted his studies to join the United States Marine Corp in 1951.  He was a corporal with the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liason Company at Camp Catlin, HI.  He served his country during the Korean War from June-October 1952 and received an honorable discharge in 1953.   Joe told many stories about his time in Korea, Hawaii and his US Marine Corp Life.  Joe returned to his studies at the University of Minnesota and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1957.

Joe and Raquel were married on April 18, 1959 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Racine, WI.  Joe and “Rocky” had 3 children, and 6 grandchildren.  Roberta and her husband Mike Slivensky have 2 girls, Dr. Diana (Joe) Slivensky (ND) and Susanne Slivensky (FL).  Christian “Chris” Knors, Joe’s son, married Becky Holden (passed away November 2017) and have 2 children who live in Tennessee; Gabe Knors and Maggie (Wes) Salyers.  Rebecca “Beckie” and her husband Mark Hess and their children Marcus and Rosie Hess all live in the Madison Area.   He was known as “Uncle Joe” and had a close relationship with many of his nieces and nephews.   His niece Tracy Guo had a special place in the Knors family.  His sister-in-law Vi Knors lives in New York, he is otherwise the last surviving sibling in his family.

Joe had many jobs including 25 years at Master Appliance in Racine WI.  He really enjoyed working at Master where he wore many hats and enjoyed his coworkers very much.

After retiring from Master Appliance Joe and Rocky moved from Racine to the Madison Area.  Rocky battled cancer for several years, Joe was her primary caregiver when she passed away in April 2010.  They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the prior year.

Joe was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cottage Grove WI serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister.  He also participated regularly at Daily Mass and community gatherings.  Joe was popular at potluck meals where he was known for his farmer cookies and pumpkin squares.  Joe also supported his community Parish, St. Olaf Catholic Church in Deforest.

He had very fond memories of the time spent living in Jefferson Square in DeForest WI, particularly Sunday afternoons at Culver’s and the monthly gatherings with his neighbors.

He loved golfing in leagues around Madison.   Joe has many stories growing up as a Chicago Cubs fan because Wisconsin didn’t have a professional baseball team when he was younger.  He was very happy to see them finally win the World Series in 2016.

Joe will be missed by many.  His family, friends and neighbors will miss his friendly and outgoing personality, his stories and his laugh.

Joe’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Madison and especially to the VA Community Living Center where Joe spent his final days.  Because of the recent pandemic the staff went above and beyond to be his extended family during a time when visitors were limited.

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513