Everett “Ev” M. Kniess, age 81, of Gleason, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born on January 22, 1942 to the late Erwin and Esther (Luedtke) in Merrill, Wisconsin. Ev married his first wife, Yvonne Tewes on October 23, 1965 at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason. She preceded him in death on June 1, 2015. He remarried on September 29, 2018 to Darleen Wendt (Klebenow) at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason. She survives.

After high school, Ev served in the Army National Guard. He was in the Labors Union for 35 years as a labor foreman in construction. He was a hardworking man who could make something out of nothing. He was involved with Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, a member of the Lions Club, and he was a volunteer fire fighter. He also enjoyed playing softball and bowling.

Ev loved being in the woods, hunting, and driving the UTV. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips in Canada each year. He loved feeding the birds and cutting wood, this was like therapy to him. He was also a huge sports fan, always cheering on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. Ev was a very quick-witted man, who was kind and very family oriented.

Ev is survived by his wife, Darleen Kniess, children: Laurie (Frank) Frederick, Sandy (Tim) Reader, Russell Kniess and Debbie (Scott) Bagley, step-children: Linda (Rick) Dorn, Laurie (Mark) Folz, and Kris (Bob) Reichelt, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, and 12 step-great-grandchildren, siblings: Dan and Vess Kniess, sisters-in-law: Doreen (Darwin) Gaeu, Nancy Burgener, and Debra (Keene) Robl, and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Yvonne Kniess, sisters, Betty Jahns, and LaBelle Klug.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill and again on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place at Luther Memorial Cemetery in Gleason.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.