John P. Knowles

John P. Knowles, 91, of Albia, formerly of Melrose, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2014, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia. John was born July 17, 1923, to Mike and Julia (Navin) Knowles in Melrose, Iowa. He was a graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1941. John was united in marriage to Lois Fitzpatrick on June 23, 1947, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chariton, Iowa. They shared 67 years of marriage prior to his passing. John farmed his entire life in the Melrose area. Black Angus cattle were a great interest to him. John was active in many things and had many accomplishments in his life. He was a member of the original REC Board. He was a 3rd and 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was a former member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, and later a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. He served on the Parish Council at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. He was a 4-H Leader and on the County 4-H Committee. John was inducted into the Farm Bureau Hall of Fame, as well as the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. John was also awarded Monroe County Beef Producer of the Year. John is survived by his wife, Lois of Albia; his 4 children, Joann (Tom) McDonald of Albia, Sheila (Randy) Denburger of Oskaloosa, Mike (Jane) Knowles of Melrose, and Joe (Kris) Knowles of Melrose; 11 grandchildren, Pat (Brenda) McDonald, Andrea (Michael) West, Scott (Melissa) McDonald, Kevin (Felicia) McDonald, Katie (Brian) Eipers, Sarah (Tom) Martin, Andy (Amber) Denburger, Betsy (Joe) Miller, Jill (Tor) Christiansen, John Knowles, and Joe (Kari) Knowles; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister, Catherine Beary; a sister-in-law, LaVera Cottrell; and a brother-in-law, Harold Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Mahoney; a brother, Pat Knowles; 3 brother-in-laws, Tom Cottrell, Ed Mahoney, and Leo Beary; 2 sister-in-laws, CK Knowles and Mary Lou Fitzpatrick; nephews, Tommy Cottrell and Jim Cottrell, and a niece-in-law, Julia Cottrell; and a niece, Rita Kalmes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with John's family present from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A rosary will be led by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society at 4:00 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials have been established to the Monroe County 4-H & FFA Fair or St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia.

John P. Knowles

July 17, 1923 - December 7, 2014