Raymond Knosalla

Raymond "Sonny" Knosalla, Jr, 78, of Motley died Saturday, February 13, 2016 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00AM, Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, MN with Father Joe Korf officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 5:00-7:00PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the spring at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, MN.

Sonny was born September 18, 1937 in Moran Township, Todd County, MN to Raymond and Mabel (Mikish) Knosalla. His family moved to Staples when he was ten. Sonny attended school at Sacred Heart and Lincoln Model. He worked at the Southside Garage and the railroad for a short time, and then went to California to find work. Sonny was united in marriage to Wanda Rardin of Motley in California on August 31, 1957. He and Wanda owned a carpet store in California. He was the Captain of the Norco Mounted Police during that time. Sonny moved back to Minnesota in 1981 and built his home on Hwy 10 in Motley. He loved to work with wood, he built a boat and a camper, enjoyed square dancing, clogging, fishing, camping, hunting, and loved to tell jokes. In the winter, he was a snowbird, living in Bullhead City and Apache Junction, AZ.

Sonny is survived by his children, Mark Knosalla of Motley, MN, Linda (Matt) Beebe of Motley, MN, Lori (Marc) Gabiger of Boise, ID; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; siblings, Louise Wentworth of Fergus Falls, MN, Gary (Sandy) Knosalla of Staples, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mabel Knosalla; and his wife, Wanda. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.