James E. Knabe

James E. Knabe passed away on April 22, 2023. He was born on August 26, 1939, in Medford, WI. He was the son of Alvin and Evelyn (Werhand) Knabe. He married Dorothy Jefko in Rockford, IL at St. Stanislaus Church on August 10, 1963.

Jim graduated from Medford High School in 1957. He received his BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 and he earned an MBA from Northern Illinois University in 1972. Jim spent his entire career working at several places in Rockford including Sundstrand, Atwood Vacuum Machine Co., Rockford Products, and Chem Processing. His titles included Metallurgical Engineer, Chief Metallurgist, and Quality Manager. While at Atwood, he also went to Europe and Japan as Director of Patents and Licensing.

Jim and his family enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and mushroom hunting in much of the US and Canada. They also visited Dorothy’s relatives in Poland. Jim had memorable visits to several shrines of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Europe.

Jim was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, American Society for Metals, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, St. Francis School Board, and the Polish National Alliance. He completed his military duty in the 32nd Infantry Division. He also enjoyed working on committees at the Polish Fest.

Jim and Dorothy were blessed with three wonderful children and their families with whom he loved to spend time. His family includes Kevin (Joanna); Brian (Sandra) and their children: Jacob (Binka), Audrey (Joseph Von Arx), Sarah (Stephen Ambrose), David (Rachel), Patricia, Monika, Emma, Teresa, Rachel, and Gianna; and Melissa and her children: Ava, Joey, Emily, and Claire. Jim and Dorothy also have 4 great-grandchildren (and 2 more on the way): Judah and Katrina Ambrose, Nicolette Von Arx, and Max Knabe.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Evelyn and his brother Tim. He is survived by brothers: Tom (Christine) of Belvidere, IL and Terry (Darlene - deceased) of Denver, CO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 5, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. Final resting place will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com