William "Bill" F. Knoebber

William “Bill” F. Knoebber, age 97, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

He was born the son of Frank and Marie (Uhlrich) on February 21, 1927, in Wamego, KS. During a pivotal time in America, Bill felt the calling to join the United States Navy during World War II and served with pride during the war.

On April 17, 1952, Bill married his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Stadler at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and together they shared 60 years of marriage before Barbs passing on July 27, 2012.

After learning the trade of commercial sign designing and manufacturing, Bill, along with his business partner, Bernie Hilderman, became co-owner and operators of B&B Sign Company in Topeka. His passion and hard work spanned over 60 years in the business. Even after retirement, Bill would spend time assisting his son, Chris, in business. He worked hard during the week but on the weekends, his enjoyment was spent on a sailboat at Lake Perry. Throughout the years, Bill owned many sailboats and would love to spend time with his family and friends on the lake. He became skilled at scrimshaw jewelry and he and Barb would attend various art and craft shows. Bill and Barb loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoying different cultures, food and experiences.

In his downtime, Bill enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and watching episodes of Gunsmoke. He was a devout Catholic as well as a charter member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. His family, faith, and country were his pride and joy.

Bill is survived by his six children, Chris (Barb) Knoebber of Topeka, Susan (Bill) Coffman of Tecumseh, Kathy (B.J.) Crouse of Houston, TX, Ann (Bill) Boone of Austin, TX, twins, Joan Orth of Elgin, TX, and Jack (M.J.) Knoebber of Seattle, WA. Other survivors include eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barb Knoebber; three brothers, Jack, Bob, and Tom Knoebber; as well as two sisters, Betty Hund and Mary Volz.

A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 A.M., Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 10:00 A.M., at the church. Inurnment with U.S. Navy funeral honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to DAV (Disabled American Veterans), 2021 SW Moundview Drive, Topeka, KS 66604. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.