William "Bill" Franklin Kniss, Jr.

William “Bill” Franklin Kniss Jr., of Waterville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025. 

Bill was born September 7, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late William F. Kniss Sr. and Georgette A. Kniss (VanDenBerghe). He grew up enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, attended Sacred Heart Grade School and became an Eagle Scout. He was a 1971 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. 

Bill became qualified as a journeyman construction millwright in 1977. For many years, he worked out of Local 1393 and 1090. In 1996, he worked for Chrysler Automotive as a millwright, retiring in 2008. He was known for his attention to detail, ingenuity, and dependable work ethic. 

He met his one and only, Denise M. Kniss (Flory) and spent fifty-one wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventures. They enjoyed quilting, gardening, birdwatching, and visiting the Toledo Metroparks. Bill won numerous awards for his beautifully detailed quilts. He shared a special bond with their dog, Josie, whose loyalty and affection brought him endless joy. Together they raised three children: Joshua M. Kniss, Michelle L. Lewis (Kniss), and Laura E. Hill (Kniss). Bill’s family was the center of his world. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Denise M. Kniss; their children Joshua (Meghan E. Aguilar) and Laura (Andy L. Hill); their eight grandchildren Tyler, Anthony, Justin, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Allison, Luke, and Addison; his siblings Alice Black (Mike), Ben Kniss (Michele) and sister-in-law Donna Kniss; mother-in-law Donna Flory; brother-in-laws Jeff Flory (Becky), Dennis Flory (Wanda), and Dean Flory (Bill); uncles and aunts along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by Michelle L. Lewis (her late husband Anthony K. Lewis II); parents William F. Kniss Sr. and Georgette A. Kniss; father-in-law Donald A. Flory; siblings Paul, Daniel, and Timothy. 

The family would like to thank all of his health care providers especially the staff at UTMC, Regency Hospital, the University of Michigan Neurological Specialists and Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Additionally the many Church’s that prayed over him; including Toledo Calvary, Redemption, Pastor Tim Coley at Bethany Baptist Church, and Saint Rose Catholic Church. 

Those wishing to honor Bill’s memory may make a donation to The Ataxia Research fund - 320123. A check may be received at 777 Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 650 ATTN: Ataxia Research, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or online by clicking here. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.

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