Wayne Allen Knott

March 29, 1940 - April 11, 2023

Wayne Allen Knott, 83, went home to be with his Lord on April 11, 2023, surrounded by his family at Sherman Hospice Home in Phoenix, AZ, following several months of medical difficulties and an extended stay at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix.

Wayne was born on March 29, 1940, in Dollar Bay, MI, as the fourth child and first son of Melvin and Mary Knott. Prior to Wayne starting school, the family moved to Merrill, WI when his father accepted a position teaching Industrial Arts at Merrill High School. Wayne remained in Merrill until he completed his high school education, and then moved to Houghton, MI to study Civil Engineering at Michigan Technological University.

While attending Michigan Tech, Wayne met and began dating LaVerne Tolonen of Alston, MI. The two enjoyed participating in Intervarsity and exploring the amazing outdoor beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula together. Wayne graduated from Michigan Tech in the afternoon of June 8, 1963 with his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, and married LaVerne that same evening in Calumet, MI.

Prior to his graduation, he had accepted a job as a Civil Engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers and they moved to the Twin Cities Area of MN so Wayne could begin his career with the Corps. He spent most of his career working in the St. Paul District Office on projects associated with the Mississippi River. However, he also spent time working projects and spending time in Alaska; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico and New York.

In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking and doing multiple projects around the house. After he retired from the Corps, he had time to further pursue another of his passions by expanding his education in clock repair and for many years ran his own clock repair company, Time & Chime Again. Not wanting to be idle, he also worked for Target and the United Way post retirement

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Once LaVerne retired, they purchased a second home in Casa Grande, AZ, and began to spend their winter months there every year. Again feeling the need to stay active, Wayne worked as a volunteer AARP tax preparer for over 20 years in Casa Grande, and was an integral part of initiating the start of a regular chapel service in their retirement community, where he served for many years as the music leader and choir director for these services.

Wayne shared his Christian faith openly in both his words and his actions. He was always willing to step in and volunteer at his church, and served in a number of different capacities over the years including treasurer, young adult youth leader, trustee, worship leader, Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader. Wayne enjoyed being able to worship through his singing, both as song leader, and participating in multiple choirs over the years.

Wayne is survived by his wife LaVerne, daughter Becky Knott, son Dan (Leanne) Knott; three grandsons, Tyler Knott, Austin (Yeong-ju) Knott, and Grant Knott; two sisters Elaine Johnson and Judy Winsor; one brother Earl (Martha) Knott; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mary Knott, brother John Knott, and sister Ida Green.

Wayne’s kindness, compassion and always even keeled presence will be greatly missed by all who loved and enjoyed his company. His family is heartened by the knowledge that they will see him again and that he is now once again able to enjoy the use his voice to sing praises, after having lost his singing voice over the last couple of years.

A celebration of life gathering we be held at the clubhouse of Fairways Park located at 2054 N Thornton Road, Casa Grande, AZ at 1pm on Saturday, April 22nd. At some time later this summer a memorial service will be held at his home church in North Saint Paul, MN. Memorials should be directed in Wayne’s memory to Seeds of Hope in Casa Grande, AZ (www.seedsofhopeaz.com) or to North Haven Church of North St. Paul, MN (www.northhavenchurch.org).