Eugene "Skinny" M. Knoll age 94, of McConnell, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday February 12, 2023, at the Lena Living Center. He was born April 3, 1928, in Sparta, WI and was one of thirteen children, him being the third youngest. At the age of 17 he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1949. He was married to Grace Paulson, she passed away in 2009.  Eugene married Bernice Martin in 1965 and she passed away in 2011. He worked at Burgess Battery for many years until they closed and then went to work at Kelly Springfield Tire Company until his retirement. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena since 1949. He was a member of the Legion for over 50 years and a member of the McConnell Fire Department. In his later years he loved the outdoors, hunting, trapping, fishing. He enjoyed putting together puzzles and going on vacation with Bobby and Tina. One of his most memorable trips was going to visit his Tennessee hillbilly family. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family. Gene was always a leader; he did not seek attention but always lent a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. There wasn't anything he could not do, if he put his mind to it, he would accomplish it!

He is survived by his children; Nancy (Charlie) Hilgenbrinck, Norman (Leigh Ann) Knoll, Randy (Gloria) Knoll, Bob (Tina) Martin, Glenda Heath, and Mark (Tammy) Knoll. 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandhildren . Sister; Violet Good and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 wives; Grace and Bernice, 2 daughters; Deborah in infancy in 1953 and Pam in 2021. Grandson; Chad Martin in 2017, great grandson; Tylor in 2006, son-in-law "Woody" Heath and 11 siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Friday February 17, 2023, at 12:00 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of service.

Burial will be in Lena Burial Park.

Officiating will be Rev. Rick Bader.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory.