Cover photo for James E. Knabe's Obituary
James E. Knabe Profile Photo
1939 James 2023

James E. Knabe

August 26, 1939 — April 22, 2023

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



To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Knabe, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, May 4, 2023

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory - Mulford Chapel

1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Rosary

Thursday, May 4, 2023

6:30 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory - Mulford Chapel

1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, May 5, 2023

Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)

Holy Family Catholic Church

4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago/Rockford

8616 West State Road, Winnebago, IL 61088

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 111

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree