Ledyard - Wayne K. Knoner, 61, of Ledyard, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2005, at his home after a lengthy illness with cancer. His family was with him at the time of his death.

A funeral service will be held Sunday at 6:30 PM at Bethany E & R Church, Ledyard with the Reverend Doug Van Der Pol officiating. Burial will be in Highland Home Cemetery, Ledyard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Saturday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.

Wayne Kent Knoner was born February 13, 1944, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, son of William and Opal (Dorsey) Knoner. He graduated from Ledyard High School in 1962. Wayne was united in marriage to Frances "Fran" Karen Overfield on September 9, 1967 at the United Methodist Church in Elmore, Minnesota. They resided on the family farm in rural Ledyard for 38 years.

Wayne is survived by his three daughters, Kimberly, Kelly and her husband David Brown, and Kari and her husband Jimmy McKinney; and three granddaughters, Alanna, Kaycee and Courtney. Wayne is also survived by one brother, Keith and his wife Janet, and his nephews, Kevin, Kent and Kurt Knoner. He was preceded in death by his wife Fran on March 30, 2005.

Wayne was a dedicated grain and livestock farmer all his life. He served his country in the Iowa National Guard for several years. Wayne was dedicated to his faith, friends, and family throughout his illness. His family and precious granddaughters were the highlight of his life. He enjoyed going to farm machinery auctions with his friends, collecting John Deere toy tractors.

He also enjoyed driving school bus for many years. He was a devoted semi truck driver hauling grain for Kenneth Menke and peas and sweet corn for Green Giant. No matter how sick he felt, everyone and everything else came before him. Wayne was so grateful and enjoyed all the time he was able to spend with his family and friends during his illness.