Arnold (Arnie) J. Knight, 75, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac, of kidney cancer.
Arnie was born December 12, 1938, to Walter and Nyla (Ring) Knight of Kingston. He graduated from Markesan High School in 1957. He was a member of the Ripon National Guard and spent 6 months of active duty in the Army, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
In June of 1958, Arnie married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Kiefer), and they were blessed with two daughters, Janet (John) Peters of Randolph and Debbie (Roy) Witthun of Waupun. Together they farmed for 20 years, raising and milking purebred Guernseys’.
Arnie’s brother, Keith, farmed with him 6 of those years. Arnie and Joan dispersed their herd in 1977, and Arnie accepted the position of Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders’ Association for 13+ years, working with the Guernsey breed and the families who cared for their Guernsey cows. Arnie also worked with the National Jersey Association and leaders of National All-Jersey. Together, they promoted protein pricing of milk. Arnie then became a realtor with Action Agency, Ripon, until his retirement.
Arnie was a member of the American Guernsey Association, the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders’ Association, Dairy Shrine Club, and Wisconsin Realtor’s Association. He served as Director of the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and World Dairy Expo, and served several years as Expo Assistant Guernsey Cattle Superintendent. He judged many county fairs and parish shows. Arnie enjoyed working with the youth as a 4H dairy leader. Arnie received many honors and awards over the years, with the latest being the 2013 Distinguished Service Award from the American Guernsey Association. Arnie also served as a director of the Care 4 U Clinic in Dalton and had served on the Town Board.
Arnie was a lifelong member of the Kingston United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees. He loved being in the woods, cutting wood and enjoying nature. He also enjoyed sports, hunting, woodworking, genealogy, and telling stories. Arnie loved watching his grandchildren take part in their many ball games, concerts, and special events. He passed on his legacy that anything worth doing, was worth doing well.
Arnie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, his daughters and their husbands, six grandchildren, Jill (Steve) Lucero, Jamie, Jana, and Jay Peters, and Lauryn and Collin Witthun, as well as four great grandchildren, Mariah, Morgan, and Steven (Jr.) Lucero, and Dustin Seavers, two special aunts, Jessie Meyers and Lola Arndt, and many dear relatives and friends.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nyla Knight, his brother Keith and his sister, Diane.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 29th at Cornerstone Funeral Service, 181 South Main Street in Markesan, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Arnie Knight’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church on Pearl Street in Kingston, with visitation at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Pastor Brenda Grams will officiate. Following the service, burial will take place at the Kingston Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Kingston United Methodist Church, Kingston Historical Society or to Agnesian Hospice.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.