Tributes

Royce Dale Kniss, 90, peacefully went to be with his Lord from his home on March 24, 2017. He was born the youngest of six children on March 9, 1927, in Kalkaska County, the son of the late George and Eva (Benedict) Kniss.Dale had an adventurous spirit, always loving travel and anything having to do with the out-of-doors. At sixteen, he left his home in Sigma to sail the Great Lakes on the ore freighters, eventually manning the ship's wheel. Still before turning eighteen, wanting to take part in the War effort, he joined the Merchant Marines and had many interesting stories to tell his family about the "Victory" ships on which he sailed. At eighteen, with World War II in its last months, he was finally able to join the Army, serving as a medic, and being honorably discharged as a sergeant.After serving the country he loved, Dale returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Ruth Doyle, on December 12, 1947. Together they raised five children and were blessed with twelve grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He and Ruth were members of the Kalkaska Church of Christ and were devotedly married for sixty-nine years. Dale was generous throughout his lifetime with his carpentry and masonry skills, undertaking projects for family and friendsThe Kniss children recall a very loving couple, working hard together, setting an example in honesty and Christian values, the legacy of which will be felt for generations to come. Dale worked, until retirement in 1989, as foreman of the Tool and Die Department of Wayne Wire in Kalkaska.He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children Karen(Harold) Rooksberry of Buckley, Janice Stewart of Manton, Vicki Kniss of South Boardman, and David (Mary) Kniss of Rapid River; and daughter in-law Cathy Kniss of Frederic. He is also survived by his brother Percy Daryl Kniss of Travers City. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Kniss; his sister Donna Jackson and his brothers Gordon, Boyd, and Wayne.Cremation has take place according to Dale's wishes.Memorials can be made in Dale's honor to Munson Grayling Hospice, c/o Munson Healthcare Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Royce Dale Kniss

March 9, 1927 - March 24, 2017