William C. "Knoot" Knudson

William C. “Knoot” Knudson

            Yet another Vietnam Veteran has been called home. William C. “Knoot” Knudson, passed away on April 29, 2025 at the age of 83, following a brain hemorrhage and stroke suffered four days earlier at his home in Marshfield.

            Born the youngest of four in Buffalo, NY on December 25, 1941 to James F. Knudson, Jr. and Elizabeth (Largiader) Knudson, Bill graduated from Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY in 1960. After some college coursework, he worked in movie theater management in Wellsville, NY and other locations, until receiving his personal invitation in 1964 from then-President Lyndon B. Johnson, to broaden his horizons in South Vietnam. His eligibility for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was earned in the US Army in Vũng Tàu and Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, in 1965-66.

            After coming home, Knoot worked for a time in print communications in California and then spent nearly 30 years in Radio Broadcasting Management and Sales, in New York State and California, ultimately owning his own AM station in NW Connecticut for a time. He always confided that the second happiest day was buying it, with the first definitely being selling it.  

            His resume in the past 33 years in Wisconsin included real estate; motorcoach tour driving; reverse-mortgage lending; “Wild Willy’s Hots and Brats”; and saving the best for last – Funeral Home and Crematory Assistant. And endless stories.

            A proud Gold Legacy Life Member of VFW Post 6352 in Stratford, Knoot was pleased to serve at Post, District and State levels of the organization in many capacities, including 11 years as State Judge Advocate, 1-1/2 years as State Chaplain and four years as WI VFW NEWS Editor, always a mentor to many. He also developed a Quartermaster Accounting program that assisted countless Quartermasters at all levels and was delighted that it continues today.  

            Left to carry on the tales are his wife of 42 years, Marla J. Morgan; daughters Tiffany (fiance Richard) and Kacie; two granddaughters and a great-grandson; many wonderful nieces and nephews around the country, and several patient in-laws. Plus incredible friends in many places, including a multitude of VFW comrades. And Petunia the Beagle.

            Visitation will take place from 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon, on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 E. Veterans Parkway in Marshfield, with a brief service to follow at Noon. Interment of ashes will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King later this year.

            Bill Knudson was not large in stature, but his infectious laugh, stellar storytelling, curiosity and creativity, and steadfast love filled a beautiful life and legacy.  And now, endless stories above.

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