Bill Knowles

Thomas William (Bill) Knowles was born on February 9, 1931, in Polk City Florida. Looking for work beyond fruit picking, Bill moved to Michigan as a young man. He found a job in Holland with Mulders Construction. He worked for Mulders until joining the US Marine Corps in 1950 where he served as a sergeant as well as an airplane mechanic in Korea. After leaving the marines, Bill returned to work for Mulders Construction. Mr. Mulder welcomed Bill back to the company, having also served his country in WWII as a member of Merle’s Marauder’s fighting in Asia. Bill was a strong supporter of our military members, frequently handing out military hats and cards thanking the men and women in military service.

On March 2, 1956, Bill married Shirley Yvonne Kammeraad of Holland, Michigan. In 1958 Bill was a founding partner of K-Line Industries Inc. in Holland, Michigan. Bill and Shirley shared 66 married years together in Holland where they raised three children, helped to start a business and eventually retired. In retirement they enjoyed a wide group of friends in the RV community as they traveled all around the country.

Bill was known for his southern friendliness and an incredible ability to recall details: of the places and dates they’d traveled, the weather conditions at each stop, and everyone’s names they’d met along the way. At K-Line he was known as a kindhearted, friendly leader who never failed to remember employees’ names, and the names of their family members.

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley Knowles, sons Thomas (MaryAnn) Knowles, Kurt (Pam) Knowles, former son-in-law Curt (Tammy) Vander Ploeg and their families. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Sherry.

Funeral services are 11 am Friday (October 7) at Fellowship Reformed Church. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel.