Wendell Lee Knowler

Wendell Lee Knowler

Wendell Lee Knowler
March 19, 1930 – January 05, 2019
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 88
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran

Wendell Knowler, 88 of New Sharon passed away Saturday evening, January 5, 2019 at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Wendell Lee Knowler, the son of Clifford and Blanche (Stephens) Knowler, was born on March 19, 1930 in Lacey, Iowa.

Wendell graduated from New Sharon High School in 1948. While in high school, Wendell began driving the New Sharon school bus at age 14 and also purchased the Texaco Station in New Sharon with his brother, Bob.

Following high school, Wendell enlisted with the United States Air Force. He was stationed at the Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia where he met his wife, Edna Woodrum. Wendell and Edna were married on November 21, 1951 in Macon, GA. To this union two daughters were born, Janice and Joyce. He was also stationed in San Antonio, TX before serving overseas during the Korean War.

After being honorably discharged, Wendell returned to New Sharon and solely purchased the Texaco Station. Shortly after purchasing Knowler Insurance from his father, he sold the Texaco Station. Wendell sold insurance, continued to drive bus for the North Mahaska School and worked on and sold used cars until he retired at age 70 in 2000.

On April 16, 1978, Wendell was united in marriage to Faye Westercamp at the New Sharon First Christian Church.

Wendell had a heart of gold and always enjoyed helping anyone out during their misfortunes. He also had a great sense of humor, didn’t know a stranger, had the “gift to gab” and loved to give “free” advice.

Wendell was a huge North Mahaska Warhawks supporter and rarely missed any school function. Wendell was a lifelong firefighter for the New Sharon Fire and Rescue, a member of the New Sharon Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, the Prairie Knolls building board, the Commercial Club, the Prairie Homes Building Board and attended the New Sharon First Christian Church.

His legacy will be honored by his wife of 40 years, Faye Knowler of New Sharon, IA; his four daughters: Janice (& Terry) King of Sioux City, IA and their daughters, Wenette and Teresa; Joyce (& Bernie) Harmeyer of Altoona, IA and their children, B.J., Stefani and Erin; Deb DeJong of Beacon and her children, Nick and Kayla; and Ralphi (& Lee) Munson of New Sharon, IA and their children, T.J., DeLaney, Jac and Hung; five great grandchildren; his brothers: Delbert (& Barb) Knowler of Bartonville, TX and Robert Knowler of Sioux City, IA; special aunt, Sylvia Criss; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Blanche Knowler; and his first wife, Edna Knowler.

As was his wish, his body has been cremated.
Memorial graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:30 am Saturday morning, January 12, 2019 at the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon with a procession forming at the funeral home at 10:15.
A reception will follow the service at 11:00 am at the New Sharon First Christian Church and a time of sharing will be held at 12:00 pm.
Visitation will begin after 2:00 pm Friday, January 11, 2019 at the New Sharon First Christian Church with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm to greet friends and relatives.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Sharon First Christian Church or the MHP Hospice Serenity House.

Posted by on Jan 6 2019. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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