Raymond Knower

Raymond S. Knower, age 87 years, of Baraboo and formerly of Hillsboro, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

 He was born on October 11, 1921 to Harold R. and Marie (Shorey) Knower in Pecos, Texas.  Ray graduated from the Hillsboro High School.  For a few years he worked with his father in the Knower Oil Co. and Ford Garage in Hillsboro.  In October of 1942, Raymond entered the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving until 1945.  He married Lois M. Kriedeman in 1947, they later divorced.

Ray worked as Station Consignee for Cities Service Oil Company for several years.  In 1959, he started Kickapoo Oil Company, in Hillsboro, which turned into a large chain of self service gas stations in the Midwest, operating into the late 1980’s.  Still with his innovative ideas, Ray continued always looking for the next endeavor.

Survivors include his son, John Knower of Baraboo; daughter, Vickie (Randy) Hanson of Baraboo; grandchildren, Jay (Kayte) Knower, Suzanne Knower, Nicholas (Aimee) Steinbrink, Amanda Steinbrink, and Austin Hanson; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Hayden, Ethan, and Jordan; special friend, Eva Fisher; and former wife, Lois Endicott.  He was preceded in death by his Parents; a sister, Janice Sebranek; and a brother, Ralph Knower.