Norma M. Knapke

Norma M. Knapke, age 94, of Cranberry Prairie, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at The Gardens at St. Henry.  She was born March 9, 1931, in Carthagena to the late William & Elizabeth (Hess) Franzer.  Norma married Mark Knapke on July 28, 1951.  Mark and Norma were married for 46 years until his passing on October 11, 1997.
Norma is survived by nine children and their spouses: Connie & Ron Van Skyock of Ft. Recovery, Kathy & Tom Heitkamp of Ft. Recovery, Ed & Linda Knapke of St. Henry, Carol & Allen Ruschau of Tipp City, Tom & Karen Knapke of St. Henry, Dave & Deb Knapke of Minster, Ann & Roger Backs of Ft. Recovery, Dan & Wendi Knapke of Cary, NC, and Steve & Vicki Knapke of St. Henry.  Also surviving Norma are her 36 grandchildren, and 72 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Norma is preceded in death by two grandsons, Tim Heitkamp and Austin Knapke, and four great grandchildren, Keeley Link, Harlan Link, Declan Backs, and Alex Simper, as well as siblings and in-laws: Leander & Alvina Franzer, Roman & Luetta Franzer, Mary & Anthony Guggenbiller, Carl & Marian Franzer, Esther & Werner Jutte, Mildred & Jerome Wente, Bernard & Nell Franzer, William & Rosa Knapke, Hilda Knapke, Rita & Harold Muhlenkamp, Paula Knapke, Sr. Julia Knapke, Claude & Margaret Knapke, Roselyn & Ott Muhlenkamp, Bernard & Margaret Knapke, Lucille & Caspar Hess, William & Esther Knapke, and Robert & Eileen Knapke.
Norma was a devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Cranberry Prairie and the Ladies Sodality of the church.  She was a dedicated farmer’s wife, avid gardener, competitive card player, and homemaker.  She was very giving and loved sharing her time and talents with her children and grandchildren.  Norma baked thousands of cookies and mended many articles of clothing for her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday July 19, 2025, at St. Francis Church in Cranberry Prairie.  Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.  Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 18, and 8:30 to 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 19, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.  Those who wish to honor Norma’s memory may consider making a charitable contribution to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or left at hogenkampfh.com