William George Knoerlein, Jr., 89, of Dundalk, Maryland passed peacefully on July 26, 2026. A lifelong Dundalk resident, Bill was born October 9, 1936 to parents Goldie and William G. Knoerlein, Sr. The eldest of six children, Bill had fond memories of growing up in a loving, lively home. After graduating high school, he proudly enlisted in the Unted States Air Force where he served honorably for several years through active and inactive duty. Following military service, Bill worked at Bethlehem Steel for several decades and upon his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was an avid sports fan of both the Orioles and the Ravens (as well as the Baltimore Colts!) and a long time parishioner at St. Rita Church and Our Lady of Hope.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dorothy A. Knoerlein (nee Jackson), sons, Robert Knoerlein and Michael Knoerlein, and brother, Norman Knoerlein, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Annie Burke and her husband, Robert, son William R. Knoerlein and his wife Shelby, daughter Karen Antley and her husband Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Kristina Knoerlein; loving grandfather of Olivia Burke, Emma Burke, Billy Knoerlein, Madison Venuto and her husband Jason, Sydney Knoerlein, Logan Knoerlein, Alex Antley and Grace Antley; cherished great grandfather of Jonathan Venuto, Vincent Venuto and Maxwell Venuto. Bill also leaves behind a loving family of siblings including sister Elizabeth Lloyd and her husband Bill, sister in law Phyllis Knoerlein, brother Robert Knoerlein and his wife Jackie, sister Susan Lawler and her husband Chris and sister Celeste Green. He is also survived by cousins, including Sandra Feigley, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Visitation will be held at the family owned Duda-Ruck Funeral Home of Dundalk, Inc., 7922 Wise Ave. on Sunday, August 2nd, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, August 3rd, at 11 AM. Interment, Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery.