Lorraine Knapke

Lorraine (Otte) Knapke, age 74, of Coldwater, died peacefully Wednesday June 2, 2021, surrounded by family at her home in Coldwater after a more than two year battle with cancer.  She was born June 30, 1946 in Coldwater, to the late William & Valeria (Giere) Otte.  On August 7, 1971 she married Larry Knapke, who survives her along with her children: Andy & Anne Knapke of Columbus, Aaron & Jessica Knapke of Burlington, Kentucky, and Mindy & Ryan Garrison of Coldwater .  She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Will, Paul, and AJ Knapke; Colin and Luke Knapke; Drew, Tate and Leah Garrison; siblings and in-laws: Lois & Mark Eilerman of Arcanum, Ohio, Carole & Jim Goettemoeller of Denton, Montana, Bill & Linda Otte of Watersound, Florida, Marilyn & Jim Mahoney of Goffstown, New Hampshire, Joe Otte of Denton, Montana, Rick & Melissa Otte of Woodinville, Washington, Mark & Jill Otte of Coldwater, and Greg Otte of Coldwater, Dan & Georgene Knapke of Tipp City, Rick Barr of Coldwater, and 23 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by in-laws Andrew & Lorena (Vogel) Knapke and Richard & Jan (Solms) Barr, sister-in-law Marge Knapke, and 3 nephews.

Lorraine was a teacher for nearly thirty years, teaching for three years at Osgood and then teaching kindergarten for the majority of her career at Coldwater.  One of her greatest joys was watching her former students find their place in the world.

Lorraine was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and an active member of her community.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Altar Rosary Sodality and volunteered to prepare funeral luncheons at Holy Trinity Church.  She was a member of the University Women’s Club, Coldwater Kiwanis, and frequently volunteered her time to other activities.

Lorraine enjoyed traveling, managing to visit all fifty states in the course of her many adventures.  However, above all else, she loved spending time with her eight grandchildren.  From baking creative birthday cakes, to attending ball games, to being the go-to babysitter, Lorraine treasured every part and every moment of being a grandma.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Holy Trinity Church, Coldwater, with Fr. Ron Wilker celebrant.  A live stream of the mass can be viewed at https://www.coldwatercluster.org/information/watch-mass-online .  Friends may call from 2-6pm Sunday, June, 6 and from 9-10 am on Monday, June 7 at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County or Everheart Hospice in Coldwater.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com .