Ernest Irving Knoll

Ernest Irving Knoll, son of William Henry Knoll and Stella Pearl Fair Knoll, was born September 4, 1937 on his family's farm Northeast of Coon Rapids, Iowa in Greene County, Iowa. Ernest grew up in that area and attended Willow #4 rural school. He graduated Coon Rapids High School in 1955. He farmed in Willow Township and later worked for Gregory Implement in Jefferson. On June 26, 1960 at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Greene County he married Rita M. Palmer. They were blessed with five children: Beverly, Phillip, Connie, Keith, and Annette. In 1965 they moved to Perry where he worked for IBP and Oscar Mayer. Ernest retired in 2002. He operated his Bait Shop on West Second Street from 1993 to 2005. Being an avid fisherman, he made this business a wonderful hobby, as well. He made sinkers and other fishing items. Ernest attended fishing swap meets in Des Moines for over 30 years, often with family members. He was honored by this group of friends and fishing comrades for his faithful attendance. Ernest most of all loved his family, and loved all kids. He was a great story teller, and enjoyed meeting and greeting one and all. Ernest never knew a stranger. Ernest died April 8, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines after a lengthy illness. He will be missed greatly, not only by his family, but his many friends and neighbors who he willingly helped. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, William and Stella Knoll; his brother William Henry Jr.; and his parents-in-law Albert and Grace Palmer. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Rita of Perry; daughters Beverly Hegstrom (Brent) of Dawson; Connie Smothers (Terry Liggett) of Perry; and Annette Knoll of Perry; and sons Phillip Knoll (Jean) of Otho; and Keith Knoll of Perry; grandchildren: Bryan Hegstrom; Jason Smothers; Zacharey Smothers; Cory Knoll; Forrest Knoll; Schyler Knoll; Karrie Smothers; and Cristina Hegstrom. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Brooklyn Williams; Emily Willians; Zayden Smothers; Raquel Smothers; Lexi Smothers; Nason Knoll; River Knoll; Lola Banks; and Avigail Harris; sister-in-law Barbara Knoll of Texas; brothers-in-law Donald Palmer of LeMars; and Gerald Palmer (Arlene) of Perry; many cousins; other relatives and friends.