Obituary of William Kneal

William O Kneal was born in LaSalle on June 12, 1919. He was the son of the late William Monroe and Olive (Overmier) Kneal. He attended Ida High School graduating in 1937. William married the former Jessie Marie Stevens on November 7, 1938 at the Petersburg Lower Light Tabernacle. He served his country honorably during World War II with the United States Army. William was called to serve the Lord being ordained at the age of 21. Over the years he attended the Lower Light organization Bible school and performed home study. In 1954, William and Jessie began working on the Petersburg church converting an old school and adding an addition. The grounds would become a church plant for other area works. They had pastored in Adrian, Tecumseh, Algansee, and Caro prior to the Petersburg mission. William was passionate about his Savior, Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel. In 2010, William was honored by the church and given the status of Pastor Emeritus. William supported his family for more than thirty-eight years with employment at Ford Motor Company. He was a Material Specifications Specialist retiring in 1980. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed challenging his mind with crossword puzzles, and was a prolific coin collector. William, age 93 of Dundee, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2013 at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. In addition to his beloved wife Jessie, his passing was preceded by siblings: Forrest Parrot, Alice Hanvey, Ruby Stevens, and Esther Drewyor; and two great grandsons: Joshua Coggins and Timothy Nichols. To cherish his memory he leaves three children: Grace (David) Linville of Petersburg, William D. (Betty) Kneal of Ida, and Carol (Mark) Bickerton of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren; twenty great grand grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 3:00-8:00pm, Friday, February 15, 2013 at Petersburg Lower Light Church, 326 Elm Street with a Praise service to take place at 7:00pm. A Celebration of His Life will be held at the church at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 16. Pastor Mark Bickerton and Pastor David Linville his sons-in-law will co-officiate. Procession will follow to Pleasantview Cemetery where military honors will be presented. Merkle Funeral Service (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Petersburg Lower Light Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, send a floral tribute, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.