Charles Creighton 'Butch' Knight Jr.

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP Mich. -Charles Creighton "Butch" Knight Jr., 82, of Ironwood Township, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 at his home with his family by his side.

Charles was born on Nov. 26, 1937, in Bessemer, the son of Charles and Sigrad (Peterson) Knight Sr. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated with the class of 1956.

He excelled in football, basketball, and track, holding the fastest time for a mile for many years. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corp and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California as a machine gunner, proof technician, and small arms. He was on the reserve list with the 9th Marine Corp and received an honorable discharge in July 1962.

On Aug. 13, 1960, he married Betty Jean Rappley at Zion Lutheran Church. They moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Charles worked at American Motors and Chrysler. After retiring in 1989, they moved back to Ironwood to enjoy retirement.

Charles was an avid Green Bay Packer and Detroit Tiger fan. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage. He also loved to go 4 wheeling with friends and family. His sense of humor was unique.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sigrad Peterson Sr .; his son, Craig Knight; brother, James Knight; in-laws, Sam and Tiami Rappley; brothers-in-law, Neil Rappley, Charles Anderson, and Raynard Anderson; sisters-in-law, Myrna Jaster and June Anderson and numerous nephews.

Charles is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Debbie (Corey); granddaughters, Nicole (Frank), and Samantha (Bill); grandson, James; two great-granddaughters, Savanah and Jasmine; sisters-in-law, Sharon Anderson and JoAnne Knight and brother-in-law, Gene Jaster.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Ketola-Burla Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, please visit rangefuneralservices.com.