April 13, 2021 at 3:57 p.m.

Leonard Grey Knable, Jr.

With heavy hearts we said goodbye to Leonard Grey Knable, Jr. who died on Dec. 7, 2020 at Loma Linda University Hospital due to COVID-19 at the age of 74. He was born May 17, 1946 in St. Paul to Leonard G. Knable, Sr. and Bertha Belle (nee Barrow) Knable. He graduated in 1964 from Wisconsin Academy, Columbus, Wisc., and received an MBA from California Poly Technical School in Pomona, Calif. His first teenage job was working at the Maple Bluff GC in Madison. Although, he never did take up golf seriously he can be credited with inspiring his dad and four brothers to become avid life long golfers. He married Donna Decker of Franklin, Wisc. on Oct. 8, 1968. They were divorced in 1973. Leonard’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, and singing for several churches was a passion all his life. He loved the Northwoods of Wisconsin and visited just as often as he could. A loving, kind and gentle man, he was a hard worker at whatever he did, always eager to help others. He was devoted to his family. He had a wonderful smile and a warm, patient nature. But he also had a sometimes mischievous twinkle in his eye, he loved to joke around and had a ready laugh. He always took the time to share a friendly word of advice (or two, or three, or many more) with those he met, and his voice carried kindness and interest in others. He is survived by his beloved daughter Heather Nyb of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brothers, Rodney (Luanna) Knable of Great Falls, Mont.; Stephen (Janice) Knable of Hazelhurst; Jerry Knable of Madison; Timothy (Sue) Knable of Madison; and his sister Susan Knable Fleming of Kalispell, Mont. He is the very proud grandfather of Toni, Jamie and Jesse Collins, Teri Dangro, Holly Ann Schmehl and Crystal Ann Muschwitz, and an even prouder great-grandfather of Lincoln and Theodor Schmehl, Maliyah Amber Garza, Anna Rodriquez, Levi, Michael and Sawyer Collins. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard G. Sr. and Bertha B. Knable; and loving daughter, Heidi Collins and his loving granddaughter, Amber Muschwitz. In the last several years he established a long distance relationship with a high school classmate, Jill Ford of Rhinelander, she recently moved to California to be with him and were engaged. He said she was the “soul mate,” “best friend” and faithful loving companion of his life. Leonard Jr. will be missed by all with immense love.
“Papa, I will always miss you. I have so many wonderful memories to hang on to. You were a role model, an amazing friend to many and so intelligent. Your guidance and love will carry me through to the end of my days. I love you Papa, until we meet again. Love always, your granddaughter, Crystal”. 
“My Daddio, (I know its corny but you loved it when I called you that), my dearest memory of you is that you loved to sing. Your voice was so amazing, I was so proud of you singing in church choirs and so many times with me privately, patiently giving me pointers. I hope I have made you proud. You also loved a good debate and were good at it. On a lighter note — your sneeze, however, was notoriously — some say legendary. Loud enough, dad, to scare anyone in the room — so often it made me jump out of my skin when I didn’t know it was coming! I loved that you enjoyed interaction with just about anyone and especially enjoyed going out to dinner as often as you could. Your ‘innocent’ flirting with all the waitresses didn’t fool any of us for a minute but it still makes me smile. I am so proud to have had such a smart, loving and patient dad as you and I am extremely lucky to have been in your life. So, in closing, I say goodbye, Daddio, you were the best a daughter could ever have asked for, and know wherever you are, I will never forget you. Love, your daughter, Heather”.
Per Leonard Jr’s. request he will be cremated and services will be private. Online condolences can be shared on his FB page.
 

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