Kenneth F. Knippen

OTTOVILLE – Kenneth F. Knippen, 76 of Ottoville passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness.  Kenny was born February 16, 1946 to the late Jack and Regina (Utendorf) Knippen.

On June 12, 1976, he married Connie (Rieger) Knippen, who survives along with their children:  Mark (Jenny) Knippen of Ottoville and their children: Colton and Max; Michelle (Brian) Helmig of Lima and their children:  Connor, Karlee, Chayse and Carter and Todd (Mary) Knippen of Ottoville and their children:  George, Emma and a new bundle of joy arriving in March of 2023.

Kenny is also survived by three sisters:  Ann (Steve) Turnwald of Fort Wayne, Jean (Mike) Byrne and Jane (John) Schlagbaum, both of Ottoville and a sister-in-law:  Betty (Dan) Wannemacher of Elida.

In addition to his parents, Kenny is preceded in death by his brother and protector, Don Knippen and his in-laws:  George and Bernice Rieger.

Kenny was a 1964 graduate of Ottoville High School and attended Ohio State University.  Kenny retired in 2015 from Ultimate RB in Delphos and he was previously employed by Fruehauf Corporation in Delphos for many years.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville.

Kenny was an avid reader who enjoyed a good book.  He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school activities and sporting events.  Kenny was a lifelong Ohio State and Cleveland Browns fan.  Above all, for over 35 years he enjoyed spending weekends camping at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Indiana, making great memories while visiting with family and friends.  Yogi was truly his happy place.

Kenny's funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Father George Mahas officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township where a scripture service will be held at 5:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Big Green Athletic Boosters in Ottoville.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Big Green Athletic Boosters
Ottoville OH 45876