Gilbert Knapke

Gilbert F. Knapke, age 89, of Coldwater and formerly of Chickasaw, died on Tuesday, February, 20, 2024 at Briarwood Village in Coldwater.  He was born December 14, 1934 in Maria Stein to the late Frank & Regina (Eyink) Knapke.  On June 10, 1970, he married Judith (Wilker) Knapke and she preceded him in 2023.  Gilbert is also survived by two sons and their wives, Kevin & Hala Knapke of Greenville, and Bradley & Angie Knapke of Chickasaw, four grandchildren, Ben Smith, Tucker & Jenna Smith, Ellie and Carter Knapke, and two great grandchildren, Paisley and Luke.  Also surviving Gilbert are siblings and in-laws: Catherine Knapke of Celina, Kenneth & Marilyn Wilker of St. Sebastian, Dottie Wilker of Dayton, Janet Wilker of Montezuma, John Wilker of Atlanta, GA and Greg Wilker of Perrysburg.

In addition to his parents, Gilbert is preceded in death by siblings: Angela & Norbert Prenger, Eileen & John Fleck, Walt & Floriana Fleck, Irma Fleck, and Roger Knapke, as well as in-laws: Don Wilker, Stan Wilker, Terry Wilker, Linda Wilker, Debbie Wilker.

Gilbert was born and raised on the multi-generational Knapke family farm.  He was one of the last in the area to learn English at school, as German was the spoken language around the supper table.  Gilbert was known for his strong work ethic as he worked sunup to sundown milking the cows by hand, before and after a full day at "The Creamery" in New Bremen.  Being so busy working, he never found much time for hobbies. However, he developed a passion for pitching horseshoes and hearing the "tings" on Tuesday nights during the summertime.  In his retirement years he loved putting puzzles together while monitoring the neighborhood through the big picture window. He also loved a good card game of euchre or sheep head.

He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw. Gibert was a devout Catholic and loved being early to Mass.  Gilbert was a man of few words, but everyone knew that he loved his wife and family more than anything.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw.  A burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery, Chickasaw.  Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and on Sunday, February 25,and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.