Urban A. Knapke

Urban A. Knapke, age 95, of Maria Stein, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at The Gardens at St. Henry.  He was born November 11, 1927, in Maria Stein, to the late August & Leona (Roeckner) Knapke.  On July 10, 1948, he married Mildred (Klenke) Knapke, and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2016.  Urban is survived by seven children, Linda & Jim Schwieterman of Maria Stein, David & Carol Knapke of Ft. Recovery, Norma Jean & Joe Puthoff of Chickasaw, Kenneth & Marilyn Knapke, Sharon & Gene Evers, Gary & Terri Knapke, and Dale & Katie Knapke all of Maria Stein.  Urban is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and one on the way, two great- great grandchildren, and in-laws: Elmer Klenke, Esther Goettemoeller, Anne Tobe, Ginny Klenke, Pat & Joe Brackman, and June Klenke.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, John Schwieterman, siblings and in-laws: Aloys & Dorena Knapke, Eleanor & Harry Winkeljohn, Andrew & Lorena Knapke, Bert & Addie Knapke, Lucille & Al Kramer, and Elmer & Agnes Knapke, Bill & Frances Klenke, Bob Klenke, Don & Lily Klenke, Mary Lou Ranly, Delores & Marvin Muhlenkamp, Daniel Goettemoeller, Ray Mock, Joan & Harold Ranly, Mike Stachler, Mary Lou Klenke, Paul Tobe, and Ivo Klenke.

Urban was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein, and the Knights of St. John.  He had served on the Marion Local School Board and was a band booster.  He was a lifelong dairy farmer and was a seed salesman for Dekalb.  He enjoyed farming and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 16, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.  Friends may call from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, January 15, and from 9:00 to 9:45 AM on Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Activity Fund at The Gardens at St. Henry.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.