Jeffrey Thomas McKnight

Jeffrey Thomas McKnight, 72, of Arbor Vitae, passed away at Tomahawk Health Services on March 7, 2024.

He was born to the late Loyd (Tom) and Neva (nee Faulkner) McKnight on October 11, 1951 in Boscobel. Jeff was the third child, and only son, in a family of six.

Jeff was a graduate of Boscobel High School, class of 1969. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army while serving in Germany from 1971-1973 during the Vietnam Era.

He worked for Shultz Brothers Dime Store in Boscobel during high school, then was promoted to manager of his own store in Menomonie. Jeff also ran stores in Neillsville, West Union, Iowa, and Minocqua, along with serving as regional director for Ben Franklin stores while living in South Dakota.

After retirement from Ben Franklin, he operated the Blue Island Resort in Arbor Vitae and drove school bus in Minocqua. Jeff had a full life and enjoyed scuba diving, downhill skiing, fishing and hunting. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Star Trek, even to the point of naming his schnauzer, Spock.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Jeana (Greg) Clark of Pella, Iowa; grandchildren, Thomas Clark of Texas, Morgan Clark of Hawaii, and Justin and Leah Clark of Pella, Iowa. He is further survived by his five sisters, Vicki (John) Harwood, with whom he lived with, along with the dog Molly, in Arbor Vitae; Linda (Fred) Oates of Oshkosh; Jacquelyn (Mike) Hade of Roscoe, Ill.; Nancy (Mike) Beinborn of Boscobel; and Juli (Keith) Schult of Mineral Point; along with 14 nieces and nephews.

Per Jeff’s wishes there will be no services held at this time. The family will hold a private graveside service, with military honors, at a later date.

Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.