Jerry E. Knapke, 85, of Coldwater died on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Celina Manor.

He was born October 16, 1931 in Philothea to the late Edward & Helen (Dues) Knapke. On July 2, 1955, he married Marlene (Hemmelgarn) who survives in Coldwater.

He is survived by daughters, Karla Knapke of Tipp City and Alicia & Chet Stanley of Marysville; six grandchildren, Josh, Hileigh, Hannah, Julia, Grace, and Rose; four great grandchildren, Jack, Maddie, Max, Devin; siblings Mary Lou Fortener of Coldwater and Ed & Toni Knapke of Louisville, KY; and in laws, Louie Braun of St. Henry, Tom & Dolly Hemmelgarn of Ft. Recovery, Dave & Georgie Hemmelgarn of Lewisburg, Bill & Mary Lou Hemmelgarn of Portland and Nancy Hemmelgarn of Chicago, IL.

He is preceded in death by siblings Bob & Josie Knapke, Jim & Ruth Knapke, and Sylvia Braun; parents in law Clem & Julia Hemmelgarn; and in laws Walt Fortener, and Larry Hemmelgarn.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, the men's Holy Name of the church and Coldwater American Legion Post #470.

Jerry served as a sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War and worked as a supervisor at the former New Idea Plant in Coldwater. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and bowling; he was the first to roll a 300 game at Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday at Holy Trinity Church, Coldwater. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.

Friends may call from 1 to 6 PM on Sunday and 9 to 10 AM on Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.