Norman W. Knowles

Norman (Norm) W. Knowles

     Norman Knowles, 88, went to be with the Lord on 26 May 2025. He was born in Morgan, MN on 8 June 1936 to Burton and Lillian (Greenberg) Knowles. They later moved to Dutton, Montana before returning to Eden Township, Renville County, MN where they purchased a farm in the Minnesota River Valley. Norman attended Country School and Franklin High School in Franklin, MN before graduating in 1954.

     In 1955 he enlisted into the United States Army as a Signal Specialist and attended Basic Training at FT Sheridan, IL. Upon completion of Basic Training, he was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and began attending Mankato State University.

    On 3 Sept 1960 he married his high school sweetheart Lucille Ann (Olson) Knowles. In 1966 Norm joined the Mankato Police Department where he continued to work for the next 20 yrs eventually attaining the rank of Detective before retiring in 1986. That same year he joined the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Dept and worked as jailer in the Blue Earth County jail in Mankato. He continued to work there until 1998 when he once again retired; this time for good.

     Norm enjoyed working in the law enforcement community, talking with his family and his many friends and acquaintances around Mankato and always had some great stories.  In retirement he liked traveling across the country with Lucy on his motorcycle.   

     He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary Knowles. He is survived by his wife Lucille; two sisters Gail Kieper, and Janet Purdie; two sons Patrick (Keri) Knowles, Timothy (Jean) Knowles; four Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. 

     A private ceremony will be held this summer at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.