Michael F. Knowles

Michael Francis Knowles

passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet, Illinois, after a short battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Joliet, Illinois, on March 18, 1960, to Edmund and Frances (Cruise) Knowles. He attended New Lenox schools until moving to Melrose, Iowa, in the early 1970’s. He attended middle school and high school in Albia, Iowa.

He married Diane Catherine Hastings on October 9, 1982, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia, Iowa. Mike and Diane raised three children—Ashlee, Michael and Angela.

Mike spent his career as a carpenter. He was a proud member of Chicago Carpenters Union Local 272, and was involved in many projects in downtown Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Diane; his children Ashlee (Stephanie), Michael and Angela (Ray); his grandchildren Carter, Cayla and Charlotte; his siblings Eddie (Mary Kay), Pat (Tracy), Mary Jo (Frank) Fleck, Jeff (Linda), Danny (Trish) and Terri Goematt; his mother-in-law Mary Jo Hastings; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Jean (Mark) Flattery, Judy (Rick)Tunning and Jim (Heather) Hastings; many nieces and nephews; and good friends, especially his life-long friends in Iowa. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Harold Hastings.

Mike had many talents, especially anything that involved carpentry. He substantially built his own home. He shared his help and talents freely. Mike loved boating and camping at Lake Rathbun in Iowa and spending time in nearby Melrose, Iowa’s little Ireland. He loved playing outdoor and indoor games, playing golf and any pastime that involved being with family and friends. Most of all, Mike loved Diane, his kids and his grandkids. He had a big, open heart that will be missed by all who knew him. Everyone should hope to be loved by someone like Mike Knowles.

Mike’s family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors and nurses at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, and to the staff at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd New Lenox, IL on Sunday March 29th from 3-7pm with a time of friends and family reflection to share memories at 6pm. Chapel prayers will be Monday morning at 9:30am before processing to St Jude Catholic Church for mass at 10am.