Gail Borden Knight, age 93, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 after a two-week illness. Mr. Knight was most recently a resident of Bourbonnais, Illinois. Prior to that, he was a 30-year resident of Frankfort, Illinois.
Gail was born in Warroad, Minnesota on January 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, Gail attended the University of Wisconsin and Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. After receiving his honorable discharge on July 1, 1946, Gail went on to attend the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, where he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He later earned his Professional Engineering certification in New York State and the District of Columbia.
Gail worked as a project and chief engineer throughout the United States for Peter Kiewit Sons’ Incorporated, Johnson Drake and Piper, and the S.A. Healy Company, from which he retired in 1991. After retirement, Gail continued working as a tunnel consultant.
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Gail was an avid reader. He had a great love for travel, the outdoors, and photography. He enjoyed hiking, sailing and camping. He also enjoyed his yearly Costa Rico fishing trip, which he continued well into his 80s.
Gail 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.
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More recently, Gail pursued his love for music by teaching himself to play the banjo, mandolin and fiddle. Before his move to Bourbonnais, Gail could be found on most Thursday evenings at Down Home Guitars’ Bluegrass jam sessions.
Gail is survived by his wife Doris Jean (Sipe), his children Joseph (Shelly) Knight, Lisa Holscher Gromnicki, Doug Holscher, Brian (Jackie) Holscher and 11 grandchildren. Gail is also survived by sisters Beverly Carlson, Williams, MN; Karen (Larry) Page, East Grand Forks, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Gail’s life will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016, from 2 until 8 p.m. at the DANK German American Heritage Center, 25249 S. Center Road, Frankfort, Illinois. All family and friends of Gail are welcome.
