POLO — Mark Edward Knie, 63 of Polo, passed away on May 30, 2017 with family by his side at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wis. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., on June 24, 2017, at the Polo Church of the Brethren.

Mark was born on Oct. 5, 1953 in Freeport, to Charles and Eileen (Strite) Knie.

A lifelong resident of Polo, Mark married Laura Rosenow on Dec. 2, 1979.

Mark joined the family business in 1972 and was instrumental in the success of its growth over the years and could frequently be heard in local radio advertisements and seen in Knie’s commercials on television.

He attended Rockford University where his artistic talents were enhanced and won many national competitions for his creations.

His love of animals could often be found with the dogs, cats, fish, and horses that he cared for with his wife or volunteering his time as President of the Granny Rose Animal Shelter which he was instrumental in fundraising and designing in 1996 as well as helping to secure the funding necessary for their recent K-9 Enrichment Center.

Mark was a man of many interests and talents. From practicing his marksmanship at the shooting range and taking his service dogs to local nursing homes to swimming in the ocean with humpback whales and enjoying the night’s sky as an amateur astronomer—Mark lived life to its fullest.

Mark is survived by his wife, Laura (Rosenow) Knie; mother, Eileen Knie; two brothers, Steven Knie and David (Teresa) Knie; and sister, Christine (Vernon) Shenefelt; brother-in-law, James (Janet) Rosenow; sisters-in-law, Leslie Rosenow and Shelley (Joel) Jameson; two nephews; five nieces; two great nephews; and two great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Knie; father-in-law, Thomas Rosenow; and mother-in-law, Mary V. Rosenow.

In keeping with Mark’s passion, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 613 River Lane, Dixon, Illinois.

Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.