Mark Knapke

KALIDA – Mark Knapke, 83, of Kalida, passed away at 1:09 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus.  He was born August 10, 1940, in North Star to the late Clem and Anna (Zumberge) Knapke.  On February 5, 1964, he married Elaine Grillot who survives him. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

Survivors include seven children: Brian (Chris) Knapke, Karen (Randall) Maag, Joseph (Mary) Knapke, Ronald (Nancy) Knapke, Joyce (Brian) Taylor, Nancy (Michael) Knotts, and Melissa (Nathan) Langhals; grandchildren: Nathan (Hailey) Knapke, Michael Knapke, Greg (Kelly) Maag, Ryan (Morgan) Maag, Justin (Megan Mclemore) Maag,  Elizabeth (Ian) Kopp, Ben (Kayla Santoro) Knapke, Morgan (Zach Fischer) Knapke, Grant Knapke, Collin Knotts, Claire Knotts, Carlie Knotts, Ethan Langhals, Max Langhals, and Owen Langhals; step-grandchildren: Cadi and Jack Emerson; great-grandchildren: Lillian Knapke, Emma Knapke, Rylee Maag, Emmett Maag, and Henry Maag with two on the way; a brother, Jerry (Joan) Knapke of Hamler;  sisters: Rita Monnin of Tipp City, Vi (Bob) Bangasser of Freeport, Illinois and Eileen Ehlers of Leipsic; and a sister-in-law, Pat Knapke of Versailles.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Paul Knapke, brothers-in-law: Linus Monin and John Ehlers; and a great-granddaughter, Grace Knapke.

Mark was a United States Army veteran having served in Hawaii for two years. He retired from Phillips Display Company, Ottawa, after 36 years of service. He enjoyed farming with Schnipke Brother's for many years and in his retirement always enjoyed his own seat at Schnipke Brothers Tire. We are certain that good friends Don and Tom and baby Grace were some of the first to greet him upon his passing. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida, including Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He loved spending time with his family and taught them to value family above all else.

Funeral mass will begin 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Nathan Bockrath officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the start of mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida, Four Seasons Park,  Kalida or Putnam County CAP.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

St. Michael's Catholic Church
Kalida OH 45853

Kalida Four Seasons Park
PO Box 466, Kalida OH 45853

Putnam County CAP
PO Box 165, Glandorf OH 45848