Daniel E. Kniess

Daniel Everett Ervester Kniess, age 86, of Gleason, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1938, to the late Ervin and Esther (Luedtke) Kniess in Hamburg. After graduating from Merrill High School, Dan went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force, until his honorable discharge. It was there that he met Julia “Judi” Derogatis. The two fell in love and were united in marriage on December 17, 1960, in Spokane, WI. Sadly, she has preceded in death.

Dan was currently working for the town of Russell sanitary district, which he had done for many years. He had also grown up and worked on the family dairy farm, worked in construction and owned and operated the Outlaw Supper Club in Gleason. In his younger years, Dan enjoyed playing baseball and bowling in tournaments, and also worked at the bowling alley as a pinsetter. He and his family had also looked forward to camping trips in their remodeled school bus, and fishing. Dan enjoyed being a farmer and working in the fields. He would also make sure to attend his grandson’s sporting events every chance he had; he was extremely proud of him. He was a quick-witted and fun man that was always joking around! Dan was a visitor, he loved to chat with people, and people seemed to know him everywhere he went. He was a likeable guy that was easy to talk to. Dan was an avid sports fan; it was always on at the house. He would faithfully cheer on any of the Wisconsin teams. Dan also looked forward to playing cards, especially Sheepshead, with family and friends. He was a long-time and active member of the Gleason Lions Club, Luther Memorial Church and the Gleason Community Club. Dan was incredibly proud of his Gleason community, was an honorary grandpa to many, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him. One friend said, “well now we have to hold onto the good memories, but come to think of it, there were no bad ones”.

Dan is survived by his children: daughters: Kitty Lange, Kathleen (Darrell) Krzanowski, son: Kriss Kniess and daughter: Kandy Walker, all of Gleason, grandchildren: Daniel S. (Liz) Kniess, with their daughters: Callyn and Delaney, Tasha Kniess, Derek (fiancé Sabrina) Krzanowski, with their children: Christopher, Kaitlynn (fiancé Brandon), Aiden, Bryce, Austin, Bella, Piper and Halle, Jesse Krzanowski, with his children: Dakota and Bridgett, great great granddaughter: Liana, brother: Ervester Kniess, sister-in-law: Betty Derogatis and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Julia “Judi” Kniess, son: Kirby Kniess, sisters: LaBelle (Dave) Klug and Elizabeth (Edward “Buddy”) Jahns, brother: Everett (Yvonne) Kniess and son-in-law: Craig Lange.

The funeral service for Dan will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Luther Memorial Church in Gleason. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Merrill VFW Post 1638 at the church following the service. Burial will take place at a later date.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.