Wilbert "Wib" Knop passed away peacefully at home in Willisville, Illinois, on Sunday, July 12. He was 85. Wib was born in Steeleville on October 15, 1929, to Herman and Sophia (Dierks) Knop. He was one of five children, all of whom grew up on the family farm. Wib left the farm from 1951 to 1953 to serve in the U.S. Army as a Forward Artillery Observer in Germany. That experience made him an eager traveler throughout his life. Wib farmed the land he grew up on, and married Evelyn Ohlau in 1955. She preceded him in death in 1995. Together Wib and Evelyn raised crops, livestock, and most importantly, five children. Wib was a good steward of the land, and of his church and community. His wife Evelyn passed in 1995. In 1997 Wib married Carol Arndt of Willisville, joining her family of two sons, Jerry Arndt and his wife Cheryl, Alan Arndt and his wife Amanda, and several grandchildren. Wib and Carol enjoyed travelling to visit children and grandchildren, whether close to home or overseas. Wib is survived by wife Carol and his brother Bill Knop and Bill's wife Alice. Wib's surviving children are Perry Knop and his wife Sheila Simon, of Carbondale; daughter-in-law Sheila Stevenson of Castledale Utah; Brian Knop and his wife Tammy, of Severna Park, Maryland; Andrea Knop and her husband Nathan Lingenfelter of Fairfax, Virginia; and Darrick Knop and his wife Alison, who live in the family farmhouse in Steeleville. He is also survived by many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Mallory, Robbie and his wife Liz, Reilly, Brennan, Sarah, Jacob, Jack, Sam, Max, Matthew and his wife Kayla, Steven, Kristine and her husband Ryan, Addison, Aaron, Hayden, Liam, and Jesslyn. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lawrence Knop, and sisters Esther Sickmeyer and Thelma Weaver. Also preceding him was his son Michael. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Monday, July 20, at St. John Lutheran Chruch at 601 Post Oak Road in Campbell Hill, Illinois with Reverend Laura Kamprath officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 on Sunday, July 19 at Wilson Funeral Home in Steeleville and on Monday from 9 am until 10 am at the church. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.