William R (Schukie) Schuknecht, 90, long time resident of Virginia, formerly of Chicago, died Friday, May 19 2017, at the Eveleth Fitzgerald Nursing Home in Eveleth. He was born Nov. 7, 1926 in Chicago to Edward and Lillian (Borchert) Schuknecht. Bill graduated from High School in South Chicago, later attending Mesabi Community College upon moving to Virginia. Bill was united in marriage to Dorothy Branstrom on Sept. 17, 1966.

Bill worked as a pipe fitter for U.S. Steel for more than 25 years — retiring in 1989. After retirement Bill realized his love of painting pictures, becoming a self-taught artist, working mostly with oil paint. He also spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Bill was a longtime member of the First Covenant Church serving as both a Deacon and Trustee. He never turned down the chance for a long conversation.

Bill is survived by the love of his life of more than 50 years, Dorothy, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lloyd and Muriel Stanaway, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Elsa Branstrom, sister-in-law Audrey Branstrom and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Wilbur and Eva Schuknecht, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ivar and Lillian Branstrom, brother-in-law Bob Branstrom and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. Juan and Joyce Gonzales.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the First Covenant Church, 231 5th St. S, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Olcott Park Fountain Restoration Project, P.O. box 599, Virginia, MN. or to the First Covenant Church. Arrangements are with Bauman Family Funeral Homes Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Born: November 7, 1926 Place of Birth: Chicago, IL Death: May 19, 2017 Place of Death: Eveleth, MN Occupation: Pipefitter Hobbies: Painting Memorial Service Thursday June 15, 2017 , 11:00 AM at First Covenant Church
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In lieu of Flowers, Memorials are preferred to the Olcott Park Fountain Restoration -