David G. "Itchy" Knowlton, 53, of Merrill and formerly of Eau Claire died Tuesday, November 13, 2007, in rural Marathon County as a result of an automobile accident. He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on May 17, 1954, the son of Walter and Patricia (Paulus) Knowlton. David graduated from North High School with the class of 1972.\r\nHe was an original member of the Eau Claire Drum and Bugle Corps from 1965 to 1971.\r\nHe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972, serving two tours of duty. During his service he patrolled the waterways of Vietnam on riverboats, transporting U.S. Troops. David was honorably discharged in 1986. In 2005 he was featured in an article about the 20th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.\r\nDavid married Stacie Ascher in Eau Claire at St. Olaf Catholic Church in 1992.\r\nHe worked many years at Lincoln Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility as a youth counselor until his recent medical retirement.\r\nDavid is survived by his mother, Patricia Gehrking of Eau Claire; two brothers, Tom (Barb) Knowlton of Chippewa Falls and John (Cathie) Knowlton of Oconomowoc; four sisters, Maxine (Larry) VandeWalker of Stewartville, MN, Ann Nelson of Cumberland, Beverly (Vince) Haizel of West Bend, and Mary (Charlie) Steinke of Eau Claire; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend Walter, his miniature dachshund.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his father, Walter; sister, Kathleen Steinke; and niece, Shannon Steinke.\r\nDavid loved to spend time with his family and friends hunting and fishing. He was one of the greatest Packer fans on earth, and his musical talents and singing abilities were well known by everyone.\r\nHe was the true definition of a great son, brother, uncle and friend.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2007, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home with Father Brian Konopa officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Church Cemetery in Eau Claire where American Legion Post #53 will conduct military honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home (deer hunting attire appropriate) and one hour prior to services on Monday. A time of remembrance will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #5, PO Box 832, Eau Claire, WI 54702\r\n"David- We love you and will miss you forever"\r\nA Deer Hunter's Prayer\r\nLord, when each season's overhow I hate to see it passfor every year, I always fearthat it could be my last.\r\nLord, I know it may sound selfishand to some it may seem wrongbut let Heaven's woodsbe full of buckswith a season all year long.

Service Information