Karold Mikeal `Kary` Knoll

Karold Mikeal “Kary” Knoll, age 84, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, September 23, 2024. 

Kary was born on March 28, 1940 to Mike and Mary (Braun) Knoll in St. Peter, KS. At a young age Kary and his family moved to Denver, CO, where he attended school all the way through Colorado University Boulder, where he graduated. After college, Kary found his way to a managerial position with Woolworths. While working with Woolworths, Kary found himself moving and working in Butte, MT, where a fateful blind date would bring him to the love of his life in one Mary McKay. Kary and Mary were united in marriage at St. Anne’s Church in Butte on July 21, 1973. 

The next chunk of his life found him moving three times, while he had three kids: Mary Kathryn in Mankato, MN, Kristopher in Cedarburg, WI and Jonathan in Baraboo, WI. In Baraboo, Kary permanently put down his roots and created a new career path, becoming an independent insurance salesman until retirement. Kary, Mary and their three children lived a wonderful life until his beautiful wife was diagnosed with cancer. Mary passed away on March 26, 1988 at the age of 39. Kary and Mary’s love was so strong and eternal, he remained devoted to her and is now reunited with her in heaven.  

Kary was an avid reader, even more so in retirement. He found joy not only in reading but watching his favorite show Jeopardy, building bookcases, listening to music and working around the house. Kary was not only a great man but a great son, brother, husband, dad and grandfather. He was a kind soul who everyone loved and will be sorely missed. 

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia (Robert) Forrest; daughter, Mary Rodewald; sons, Kristopher (Lydia) Knoll, Jonathan (Jessica) Knoll; granddaughters, Mackenzie and Samantha Knoll; other relatives and dear friends. 

Kary was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Mike and Mary Knoll; brother, Richard Knoll; sisters, Severena Nerim and Martina Jablonski; and nephew, Larry Nerim. 

A Prayer Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Father Garrett Kau officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to thank SSM Hospice for the care shown to Kary and his family.