Mr. Albert Leon Knoll

ALBERT LEON KNOLL Albert Leon Knoll was born October 1, 1931 in Roseland, Minnesota, son of John and Deta Van Buren Knoll. He attended grade school in Roseland and Willmar, Minnesota and spent 2 grade school years living in Chicago, IL. Albert graduated from Willmar, MN High School in 1949. In 1951 Al joined the Air Force. Two and half years were spent in Japan where he often talked about how he climbed to the top of Mt. Fujiyama and watched the sunrise. He was stationed at Lackland AFB, TX, Sheppard AFB, TX, University of Central MO, Heir AFB, Utah, Camp Stonenour, CA, FEAMCOM, Japan, and Webb AFB, TX, serving until 1955 during the Korean War. Al started working in dry cleaning and laundry business while in high school in Willmar, MN at Band Box Cleaners. Al and Marilyn Ruth Lefman married June 16, 1956 in Higginsville, MO, Marilyn’s home town. They lived in Silver Spring, MD then for Al to attend the National Institute of Dry cleaning. Then they settled in Port Arthur, TX and worked for Blanton Laundry and Cleaners. The couple returned to the Kansas City area and settled in the Turner area. Over the years he worked at Saper Cleaners, Hanna Cleaners, Van Dyke Cleaners, Hyde Park Laundry and Cleaners, Daniels Cleaners and Select Cleaners, retiring in 1996. Al was always interested and involved in children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Member of Bristol Hill United Methodist Church serving in many capacities, Turner Lions Club- activities and holding office, American Legion. Coached boys softball teams for many years. After retiring couple spent winters in LaFeria, TX enjoying the weather and activities. Surviving by his wife Marilyn of the home, son Allen and wife Karen, Kansas City, KS, daughter Sharon Grogan and husband Tom, Manhattan, KS, grandchildren, Jon Knoll and wife Lauren, Kansas City, KS, Mindi Grogan fiancée Cory Harden, Mission, KS, Mallory Dodson and husband Danny, Whiteman AFB, MO, Joel Grogan and wife Krystal, Lenexa, KS, Jon Sprung, Kansas City, KS, Will and Wesley Grogan, Manhattan, KS, and great granddaughter, Macy Dodson, sisters, Ruby Teigland and husband John, Spicer, MN, Marilyn Hanson, Willmar, MN, nephew, Steven Hanson, Indian Trail, NC, nieces, Becky Rice, Rapid City, SD, Rachel Anderson, Willmar, MN, Renae Rolle, Madison, MN, Jeanne Kroeker, New London, MN, Lois Lattimore and Mary Hook, Tucson, AZ., Alyssa Besonen, Madison, MN, 16 great nieces and nephews, 7 great great nieces and nephews. Service will be at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Maple Hill Funeral Home with a visitation prior to service from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hill United Methodist Church.

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Mr. Albert Leon Knoll

October 1, 1931 - January 3, 2013