Donald Raymond Knalsen

Donald Raymond Knalsen, age 65, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at his home. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2011 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be prior to the Service from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church with Reverend Roger Hurlbut officiating. Burial will take place in Zion Cemetery, rural Mt. Carroll. Donald was born January 15, 1946 in Sterling, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Lillian
(Eilers) Knalsen. Donald graduated from Sterling High School, Class of 1965. He served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1972. On August 28, 1966, Donald married Violet Morhardt in Our Savior Lutheran Church of rural Morrison, Illinois.
Donald worked for Clinton Corn, Drives Corp., Elkay Corp. and Chadwick Sewer Co. He enjoyed sports, especially, the Chicago Bears and Cubs ballgames. Most of all Don enjoyed time spent with family. He loved gardening, keeping his lawn in tip-top shape and will always be thought of as a kind and gentle man that would do anything to help anyone in need.
Donald is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife, Violet of Mt. Carroll; two sons, Donald Knalsen, Jr. and Patrick Knalsen, both of Mt. Carroll; two daughters, Julie (Stefen) Dickman of Lanark, Illinois and Brandy Knalsen of Spanaway, Washington; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Dejonge and Joyce Heff. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson, Cody.