Civil Engineer, WWII Navy Vet, Bluegrass Musician Gail Borden Knight Dies at 93

FRANKFORT, IL -- Gail Borden Knight, age 93, passed from this life on Oct. 4 after a two-week illness. Mr. Knight was most recently a resident of Bourbonnais. Prior to that, he was a 30-year resident of Frankfort.

Mr. Knight was born in Warroad, MN, on Jan. 4, 1923, the son of Wayne L. and Josephine E. (Neumiller) Knight. He grew up and remained in the area until his enlistment in the United States Navy on June 16, 1942.

While serving his country, Mr. Knight attended the University of Wisconsin and Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. After receiving his honorable discharge on July 1, 1946, Mr. Knight went on to attend the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, where he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He later earned his Professional Engineering certification in New York and the District of Columbia.

Mr, Knightl worked as a project and chief engineer throughout the United States for Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc., Johnson Drake and Piper, and the S.A. Healy Company, from which he retired in 1991. After retirement, Mr, Knight continued working as a tunnel consultant.

He was an avid reader. Mr. Knight had a great love for travel, the outdoors, and photography. He enjoyed hiking, sailing and camping. He also enjoyed his yearly Costa Rica fishing trip, which he continued well into his 80s.

Mr. Knight was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, the Moles and the Veterans of Foreign War. He was an active member of the DANK German American Club.

More recently, Mr. Knight pursued his love for music by teaching himself to play the banjo, mandolin and fiddle. Before his move to Bourbonnais, Mr. Knight could be found on most Thursday evenings at Down Home Guitars’ Bluegrass jam sessions.

Mr. Knight is survived by his wife, Doris Jean (Sipe), his children, Joseph (Shelly) Knight, Lisa Holscher Gromnicki, Doug Holscher, Brian (Jackie) Holscher and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Knight is also survived by sisters Beverly Carlson, Williams, MN; Karen (Larry) Page, East Grand Forks, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mr. Knight’s life will be held Saturday, Nov. 5,, from 2 until 8:00 p.m. at the DANK German American Heritage Center, 25249 S. Center Road, Frankfort, IL. All of Mr. Knight’s family and friends are welcome.