Lois A. Knapke

Lois A. Knapke, age 73 of North Star, Ohio passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1952 in Coldwater to the late Robert & Loretta (Liette) Stammen. She married Steven Knapke on May 13, 1972 at St. Louis Catholic Church, North Star, Ohio. He preceded her in death. She is survived by children: Lisa & Tony DiRenzo, Canfield; Emmy & Jim D'Antonio, Dublin; Rachel & Jack Durham, Dublin & Douglas & Megan Knapke, Northstar; grandchildren: Anthony & Dominic DiRenzo, Charlotte, Olivia, & Benjamin D’Antonio, Henry, Maxwell, Leo & William Knapke & Collin Durham; brothers & sisters: Jerry & Linda Stammen, Versailles; Jim & Connie Stammen, Piqua; Jeff & Connie Stammen, North Star; Betty & Kent Davis, North Star; John & Christina Stammen, St. Charles, IL; in-laws: Rosie Subler, Versailles; Virgil & Kathy Knapke, Jacksonville, FL; Irene & Dave Stonebraker, Versailles; Mike & Phyllis Knapke, Louisville, KY; Kathy & Michael Re, Versailles; Jerry & Sheila Knapke, Troy; Marlene & Steve Schlater, Lebanon; Joe & Sue Ann Knapke, Versailles; Marvin & Sue Knapke, Versailles; Judy & Craig Owen, Dayton. She was preceded in death by in-laws Larry Subler and Jack Wood and parent in-laws Elmer & Agnes Knapke. She was a member of St. Louis and St. Nicholas Catholic Churches, where she expressed her love of Jesus and singing. She dedicated her skills as a Registered Nurse at Piqua Memorial for 25 years and later served students and her community as the school nurse at Versailles Schools until her retirement in 2015. Her faith was deeply important to her and carried her through many hardships in life. Through those difficult times, Lois showed strength and perseverance, always holding her family together with love, and doing so with such grace. Lois was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was at the very center of her life, and her love for them had no bounds. She showed her affection in tight hugs and beautiful words. Simple and abundant. She was fun-loving, social, and full of energy. Whether performing in local plays, baking treats, enjoying time with friends, or sharing laughter, Lois brought joy to those around her. She loved people, and people loved her in return. Lois will be remembered for her faith, her strength, her joyful spirit, her humor, and above all, the tremendous love she gave to her family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at St. Louis Catholic Church in North Star, Ohio with Fr. Andrew Reckers celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Louis Cemetery, North Star. Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Russia on Tuesday, April 28, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at St. Louis Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Center for Neurological Development, Burkettsville, Ohio, North Star Community Center. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.