William R. Kneisley, age 70, of Defiance, Ohio passed away, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Brookview Health Care Center, Defiance, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was born October 24, 1955, at Kenton, Ohio to the late Robert and Dorothy (Byers) Bates Kneisley.  Bill married Deona Bartley on October 24, 1990, and she survives.  Bill was employed with Silgan Containers Corporation as a machine operator for many years.  He was a proud Army veteran serving in Hawaii during the Vietnam War.  Bill enjoyed his motorcycle, fishing, drag racing, and was a hard worker providing for his family, that he loved very much.

Survivors include his wife, Deona, his sons, Brian (Jennifer) Groce, Chris (Sharon) Kneisley, Jeremy Deckard, his daughters, Thena (Charlie) Rowe, Geneine (Jeremy) Baer; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Danny Kneisley, of Indian Lake, and Charles Bates, of Hicksville, Ohio.  Several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Susan Kneisley and Kathy Kneisley.

Visitation for Bill will be held 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Restoration Tabernacle, 9119 Christy Road, Defiance, Ohio 43512.  Funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. in the church.  Pastor Janet Strickland will officiate. Military funeral honors will be accorded by the combined Defiance VFW Post and Active Army Honor Squad.   Fellowship meal and gathering will be served at the Defiance Eagles, 711 West 2nd Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512 following the funeral services Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Restoration Tabernacle, Defiance, Ohio.  Online condolences and guest register may be shared and signed at: www.krillfuneralservice.com

Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio is honored to serve the Kneisley family.