Carol E. Knapke

Carol E. Knapke, Age 73, of Ft Recovery, died Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Gardens of St Henry surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born on March 30, 1952, to the late Mark and Rosemay (Steinbrunner) Schwieterman. On October 20, 1973, she married David L. Knapke, who survives.

Carol is survived by her children Jennifer & Andy Bruns, Coldwater OH, Jeremy & Brianna Knapke and Joshua and Sarah Knapke, Rockford OH. Carol is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, her siblings Dale & Nancy Schwieterman, St Sebastian, Ken & Gale Schwieterman, Lafayette, IN, Marge &Harry Heitkamp, Maria Stein, Ruth & Bill Link, St Henry, Tim & Ann Schwieterman, St Sebastian, Jane & Dale Hein, Chickasaw, Glenn & Jo Schwieterman, Cassella, and Joyce & Tim Kemper, Marietta, GA, her in laws Linda & Jim Schwieterman of Maria Stein, Jean & Joe Puthoff of Chickasaw, Ken & Marilyn Knapke, Sharon & Gene Evers, Gary & Terri Knapke, and Dale & Katie Knapke all of Maria Stein and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother in-law Urban and Mildred Knapke and her God child Kurt Schwieterman.

Carol was a graduate of Marion Local High School and attended Bowling Green State University achieving a degree in Education. This was the start of what would turn into her passion in life. Carol taught third grade at Fort Recovery Schools for over 30 years. Upon retirement, she took a year off but quickly returned to the classroom at Wright State University Lake Campus teaching upcoming teachers. As an educator, she achieved The National Boards of Certified Teachers Award, a prestigious national teaching honor. She could not go anywhere without seeing someone she had taught sometime in her career.

Carol was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, a religion teacher, and active in the Guatemala Mission committee. Carol was active in many local organizations in the Fort Recovery community. She was member and past President of the Fort Recovery Community Foundation. She was an active member of Psi Iota Xi Sorority and The Red Hat Ladies.

Carol’s greatest joy in life was her family and grandkids. She spent many hours spoiling her grandkids with cookies and zucchini bread. She never missed a sporting or school event. She was never one to say no to anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Guests may visit with Carol’s family on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Friday, from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St Henry Ohio.

In lieu of flowers and memorial gifts, the family request that memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Recovery Community Foundation in support of The Ft Recovery Education Fund, or to Everheart Hospice, or to The ALS Association. Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or online at hogenkampfh.com