Music 10

Walt "The Bluesman" Knies

January 3, 1963 ~ February 10, 2023 (age 60) 60 Years Old
Read more about the life story of Walt "The Bluesman" and share your memory.    

Obituary

Walt “The Bluesman” Knies signed off the air for the final time on Friday, February 10, 2023.  He was born January 3, 1963, in Aurora, Illinois, and was of German descent, which explained his love for potato pancakes.  Walt loved the Chicago Bears, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, all things guitar, and his beloved farm, where he enjoyed nature and watching wildlife. 

Walt was an iconic DJ at WPBK radio, where he hosted the afternoon show, “Higher Road Home” as well as his Monday night “Buried Alive in the Blues” special, where he would sometimes serenade listeners by playing his guitar live on the air.  He was one cool dude.

Walt lived a modest life, but he was rich with the many friends and fans he had from all over the world.  He will be missed by his companion, Jen, his nearest and dearest friends, David and Betty, a nephew, Casey, and niece, Stephanie, alone with his pups, Bonnie and Ella, and his cat Biter, who loved to bite.

Music was Walt’s passion.  His favorite singer was John Prine; and it is most fitting that lyrics from one of his songs perfectly honor and memorialize Walt, as it had special meaning to him.  It goes:

“Then I’m gonna get a guitar

And start a rock-n-roll band

Check into a swell hotel

Ain’t after-life grand?

And then I’m gonna get a cocktail

Vodka and ginger ale

Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette that’s nine miles long

I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl

‘Cause this old man is goin’ to town!”

Per Walt’s request, no public services will be held. 

Fox & Friend Funeral Home, Stanford, is entrusted with Walt’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walt "The Bluesman" Knies, please visit our floral store.


Services

Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event
profile

In Loving Memory Of

Walt "The Bluesman" Knies

January 3, 1963-February 10, 2023




Look inside to read what others
have shared

Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.   


Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event

profile

In Loving Memory Of

Walt "The Bluesman" Knies

January 3, 1963-February 10, 2023




Look inside to read what others have shared


Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.   


You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Walt "The Bluesman" Knies
SHARE OBITUARY

© 2023 Friend Funeral Homes. All Rights Reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility