Obituary of Max G. Kniess

Max Kniess Jr. passed away on May 30th at 2:18pm at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on July 30, 1927 in Iron Mountain, Michigan to Max and Myrtle Kniess. He grew up in Newald, Wisconsin and was a Laona High School graduate. He was in the Merchant Marines and Army where he served time as a MP in Japan after the atomic bomb had been dropped. He was thankful for the opportunity the GI bill gave him when he was back state side to get his Chemical Engineering degree from Indiana State. He met his beloved wife Harriet of 56 years, who died on April 18, 2010, while working in Chicago and they married on August 8, 1953. They moved to Wisconsin Rapids when he was hired by Consoweld where he worked for 31 years. During their time in Wisconsin Rapids, Max and Harriet raised 3 children, Kurt, Joan and Martha and enjoyed visits from their 9 grandchildren. Max was an avid fisherman, and though he couldn't fish in his later years, he kept all his fishing equipment close. He enjoyed Wisconsin's beautiful lakes and woods and was against anything that would harm that for all to enjoy. He enjoyed the Green Bay Packers and never missed a game if he could help it. He was a strong believer in education because he had experienced firsthand what a good education could do to raise a person out of poverty. Max also loved to travel but he appreciated the opportunities that Wisconsin offered him and wouldn't have lived anywhere else! Max is survived by his three children Kurt David (Beverly) of Sun Prairie, Joan Kniess Eggert (Tom) of Madison and Martha Kniess Laning (Wayne) of Sheboygan who will all miss him dearly. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren who have wonderful memories of horsey rides, chocolate covered raisins and chocolate milk: Zachery David Kniess (Michelle), Erin Elizabeth Eggert, Brittany Christine Eggert, Kelsey James Kniess, Kaitlyn Keely Laning, Nicholas Justin Eggert, Madison Bailey Laning, Max Edward Eggert and Alexander Reid Laning. He was delighted to have had two beautiful great grandchildren who he wished Harriet had met: Rowan and Crew Kniess. Max is also survived by his beloved sisters Virginia Barribeau and Yvonne Sturzle and his brothers Mike (Mary) Kniess and Ron (Judy) Kniess. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bonnie and his brother Larry. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 4th at 11:00a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be immediately before the funeral from 10:00-11:00. To honor Max's wishes, please no flowers. Memorial Donations can be made to Meals on Wheels, Hospice Care, or any of the Wisconsin state parks. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.