George J. Knippen
Ottoville -- George J. Knippen, 85, of Ottoville died 7:56 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014 surrounded by his wife of 58 years and all his children at Sarah Jane Living Center, Delphos.  He was born November 22, 1928 in Ottoville to the late George and Caroline (Miller) Knippen, Sr.  On September 10, 1955 he married Jeanette Smith, who survives in Ottoville.
Also surviving are his children:  Janice (Charles) Pohlman of Delphos, Karen (Dennis) Ricker of Ottoville, Debra (Timothy) Verhoff of Kalida, Doneta (Rex) Free of Panama City Beach, FL, Kevin (Cindy) Knippen of Ottoville, Michael (Jackie) Knippen of Ottoville and Rita (Patrick) Klosterman of Brookville, OH; a sister:  Margaret Hesseling of Delphos; 19 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren with one on the way.
George is precede in death by 5 sisters:  Sister Mary Berchmans, Sister Mary Clara, Agnes Kehres, Lucille Pohlman and Sister Vita; 4 brothers:  Father Carl Knippen, Sylvester Knippen, William Knippen, Sr. and Joseph Knippen.
George was a self-employed dairy farmer.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville where he was a member of the parish council and had been an usher.  He served as the director for the Farmers Mutual Aid Association and was a former member of the Delphos Knights of Columbus.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Father Jerome Schetter officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.  Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township where a scripture service will be held at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice.

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