Philip Whiting Kniskern, age 85 and former resident of Freeport, passed away Thursday, January 11th in Beloit, WI following a brief illness. Memories of his inquiring and thoughtful mind, gentle nature, kindness, humor and love will be with us forever.

Phil was born in Milwaukee, WI to Robert E. and Natalie J. (Massy) Kniskern. Raised in the Fox River Valley, Green Bay and Rhinelander, in his youth Phil enjoyed baseball, swimming, and developed his lifelong passions for the north woods, fishing and reading. After graduating salutatorian from Rhinelander High School, Phil went on to attend Carroll University in Waukesha, WI where he earned scholastic honors (Delta Sigma Nu and Sigma Tau Delta) and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He served as copy editor for the Hinakaga and editor of the Century Magazine. It was at Carroll where Phil met Lona Pauline Slamp, the woman who would become his wife of 57 years. After serving in the US Army, Phil and Lona settled in Freeport where he worked at Micro Switch until his retirement. Through the years Phil was an active member of the Freeport YMCA, Indian Guides, First Ward PTA, Freeport Band Boosters, Pretzel Fan Club, and Masons and served on the Freeport Public Library Board as President, Chr. Of Bldg. & Grounds and Chr. of Finance.

For Phil, the satirical wit of Walt Kelly, the imagination of Tolkien, the works of Shakespeare, Christie, and Stout, the voice of Patachou, a rubber of bridge, a fine meal, a warm fire, a well-played prank, stimulating conversation, the sound of a perfect cast or the beauty of the north woods were simple pleasures made even sweeter when shared among family and friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents and wife and is survived by his two sons, Peter W. (Laura) of South Beloit, IL, Paul W. (Judy) of Springfield, MA, grandchildren, Zoe Kniskern of Springfield, MA, Jared (Megan) Herbig of Beloit, WI, great granddaughter, Morgan, sister, Alice Kniskern of Beloit, WI, and cousin, William Massy of Florence, MA.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 17th, 2018 at Walker Mortuary (815-232-2136 ), 321 West Main Street, Freeport, IL 61032. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made to the Freeport Public Library Foundation, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport, IL 61032 (815-233-3000 ).