Patrick Edward Knowles

Patrick Edward Knowles, age 84 of Melrose, died Friday, March 29, 2013, under the care of Monroe County Hospice at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Pat was born January 20, 1929 to Michael and Julia (Navin) Knowles in Melrose. He married Cecilia Clare (CK) Heffron on May 2, 1953, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Georgetown. They were blessed with five children, Mary Jo, Terry, Mark, Julie, and Helen. Pat was a lifetime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Melrose, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4167 in the 4th degree, and St. Patrick's Parish Council. A graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1946, Pat farmed all of his life in the Melrose area. He was inducted into the Monroe County Ag Hall of Fame and was Monroe County Cattleman of the year. He also was a member of ASC Committee and was a 4-H leader. Pat enjoyed attending livestock sales, visiting with friends and family, and watching sports. He especially enjoyed watching his children's and grandchildren's events. Pat is survived by his wife, Cecilia Clare (CK) Knowles of Melrose; daughter, Mary Jo (Mike) Zern of Burlington, their children, Jeremy and Ryan (Lori) Zern, and grandchildren, Xavier and Kalea; son, Terry (Debi) Knowles of Waukee, and their children, Kevin and Keith; son, Mark (Renee) Knowles of Albia; daughter, Julie (Pat) Kearney of Chariton and their children, Shawn and Amber; and daughter, Helen (Bernard) Kurimski of Lovilia and their children, Heather (Sean) Balzer, Ryan (Kylee) Kurimski, and Aaron. He is also survived by a brother, John Knowles; and a sister, Catherine (Knowles) Beary. Pat was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mary (Knowles) Mahoney. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, with Fr. Patrick Lumsden and Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Visitation will be 12-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, and then 4-8 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, with Pat's family present from 6-8 p.m. A Rosary will be led by Knights of Columbus Council #4167 at 7 p.m., followed by a Christian Wake Service, Tuesday evening in Melrose. Memorials have been established to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose and Monroe County Hospice.

Patrick Edward Knowles

January 20, 1929 - March 29, 2013