Longtime local business owner, pet advocate, Mark Knie dies

STERLING – Sauk Valley dogs and cats lost their best friend Tuesday.

Longtime business owner Mark Knie, 63, died after a long illness, said his wife, Laura.

Knie, of Polo, was the second generation to operate Knie Appliance and TV Inc., which was founded in Polo in 1946, and also has a location in Sterling. He retired a few years go, and his brother David now runs the family business.

Mark also was president of the Granny Rose Animal Shelter board, on which he served for more than 30 years.

"Everyone is still rather in shock," said Judy Lohse, 66, of Franklin Grove, the shelter manager.

"It was always very important to him that there be a safe place for animals to stay before they could find a new home," Lohse said, adding that most of Knie's own pets were adopted from the shelter.

"He's always been very big into educating the public in responsible pet care."

Knie also spearheaded the drive to fund and build the $1 million Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center, the creation of which had been a dream of his for many years.

The 13,500-square-foot center, which opened last year, is a showplace sanctioned by American Kennel Club and offers space to train all breeds of dog, with classes from obedience to dog psychology.

Saturday's ninth annual Show 'N Show Off Day, which begins at 9 a.m. at the center at 613 River Lane in Dixon, will be dedicated to his memory, and donations can be made to the shelter in his name.

Longtime shelter volunteer Rudy Rutherford, 55, of Dixon, worked with Knie for 8 years.

"Gosh, you couldn't get a better guy," Rutherford said, adding that Knie was easy to work with and had a big heart.

Tammy Merdian, 52, of Polo, a Polo Chamber of Commerce board member, knew Knie for more than 30 years and worked with the appliance store through the Scholl Insurance Agency.

His volunteer work was priceless, she said, and everyone loved the commercials he used to do for the store.

Although he spent most of his time at the Sterling location, Polo is a close-knit community where everyone acts like family, and he will be greatly missed, Merdian said.

His loss "is going to be hard to overcome."

Polo Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

IN MARK’S NAME

Donations can be made to the nonprofit Granny Rose Animal Shelter and K-9 Enrichment Center, 613 River Lane, Dixon, IL 61021.

SHOW 'N SHOW-OFF DAY

DIXON – Granny Rose Animal Shelter’s ninth annual Show ’N Show-Off Day is Saturday at the K-9 Enrichment Center at 613 River Lane.

There will be activities for youths and adults, including a “practice” show for 4-H’ers showing at county fairs. Admission is free for spectators, and food will be sold.

Judging begins at 9 a.m. Among the competitions will be agility (on-leash and off-leash), obedience (all levels), rally obedience (beginner and novice on leash), and showmanship (divided by age: junior, senior and adult).

Classes will be judged according to AKC guidelines, but mixed breeds are welcome.

Cost is $10 for the first class and $1 for each additional entry of the same dog. All entries must be made by 5 p.m. Friday; forms are available at grannyroseanimalshelter@hotmail.com or at the nonprofit shelter.

Call 815-288-7387 for more information.