William Knox

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William Knox, 90, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Highmore Health, Highmore, SD.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiating. Burial followed at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday at I.O.O.F Cemetery, Gregory. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church. 

William Evertt Knox was born June 22, 1922 to Virgil and Philora (Strong) Knox in a stone farm house northwest of Dixon, South Dakota.  He grew up in Dixon as his father Virgil became a rural mail carrier out of Dixon.  He graduated from Gregory High School in 1940.  On January 11, 1940, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Norma Graesser.  To this loving union three children were born: Richard, Gerald, and Carol.  Out of high school, Bill decided he wanted to farm.  His Dad co-signed a loan for $275.00 with which he bought a unbroken team of horses from Norma’s uncle, a set of harnesses and a 8 foot horse drawn disk.  He rented 160 acres of land near his father and mother-in-laws farm, Tom and Neta Graesser, and started his life long career of farming.  In 1958, he and Norma moved to Hyde County and purchased the G.F. Mader ranch.  Bill and Norma lived there until Norma passed away in 2008 and Bill then moved into the Highmore Health in May of 2010. 

While farming in Hyde County, he was a member of several boards; the local Cenex board, First State Bank, Hand-Hyde County FHA board and FSA board in Hyde County.  He was awarded the Federal Land Bank Golden Anniversary Medal in the late 1960’s for his outstanding contributions to American agriculture.  He was one of 18 awarded in South Dakota.  Bill’s love was family and farming; He had a passion for both.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of his life.  He was a true farmer until the end and proud of his sons and grandsons for following his lead.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by his two sons: Richard (Bernadette) Knox of Highmore and Gerald (Doris) Knox of Highmore; one daughter: Carol (Reid) Huber of Pierre; brothers: Norman Knox of Ammon, Idaho and Ronald Knox of Springfield, IL; sisters: Donna Matejka of Flagstaff, AZ and Doris Knox of Bonesteel; 11 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma of 68 years; brother, Gene Knox; and an infant grandson.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Bill's arrangements.