William Hannen Knorr

William Hannen Knorr

October 3, 1939 - January 21, 2023

Surrounded by his wife and daughters, William Hannen Knorr (Bill) passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, January 21, 2023 in Des Moines,WA. He was 83 years young.

He suffered a debilitating stroke in October of 2016, and never fully recovered. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Nancy Esther Knorr, his daughters Lisa Spliethof (Rich), Erika Stober (David), and Breeyn White (Todd); his grandchildren Kaylie Trythall, Brady Trythall, Reese Stober, Chase Stober (deceased), Presley White, and his two great grandsons Kyrehn Trythall and Grayson Trythall.

Bill was born in Portland, Oregon on October 3, 1939. He was the proud son of William and Marjorie Knorr, and loving brother to Kim Knorr and Melissa Knorr Armstrong. His love and devotion to family never wavered, even when long distances separated them. Being the big brother to his siblings was one of the highlights of his life.

He attended Lake Oswego High School, graduating in 1958. After working multiple jobs while attending college, he graduated from University of Portland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. With his gift of gab, it's no surprise that he served as the social chair of the Upsilon Omega Pi Fraternity. He loved UP and enjoyed attending reunions for over 50 years. He never hesitated to connect people and was quick to introduce a new acquaintance to one of his 'roommates,' which seemed to be everyone in his class.

As a young adult, Bill was disciplined with a strong work ethic, so it was no surprise when he joined the United States Army Reserves. He served from 1965 to 1970 out of Fort Ord in California. He became a first lieutenant in field artillery, graduating in the top of his class.

In 1967, he met the love of his life while working at Boeing; they were married less than a year later. In 1969, blessed with the arrival of their first child, Bill became a father. He was a natural from the start.

Bill managed Oregon political campaigns, including the successful election of Portland's Mayor. Soon after the birth of their third child, Bill was offered an exceptional opportunity in Washington State. Bill was eager and willing to work long hours to gain ownership of the business. Knowing that God was guiding them, he and Nancy packed up their children and belongings, sold their home in Beaverton, and headed north to Redmond, WA, where the real adventure began.

As Bill's career took off, representing national and international manufacturers to the aerospace industry, the family eventually called Sahalee Golf and Country Club in Sammamish, Washington home. This chapter in his life encapsulated his love of the beautiful northwest, community, and contentment. He devoted his life to his family and their happiness.

Bill loved people. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave a party. He would bend the rules to make others happy. Mischievous at times, he was always game for some fun. He was generous with his time, and showed unconditional love for his family and friends. He was truly one of a kind. He represented everything a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and a friend should be. He will be forever missed. As a close family friend said it best, "the world needs more Bill Knorrs in it".

Go Hawks:-)