Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025
Cathryn Knapke
Cathryn (May) Knapke, age 89, of Chickasaw, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the Gardens of Celina. She was born on September 2, 1935, in Frenchtown, Ohio, to the late Frank and Cecilia (Voskuhl) May. On August 18, 1956, she married Roger J. Knapke, who preceded her in death on April 30, 2017.
She is survived by her daughters, Marlene (Mark) Abels of Coldwater and Dorothy (Douglas) Perry of Hernando, Florida; her beloved grandchildren, Brian (Alanna) Abels, Kevin (Madeleine) Abels, and Austin (Erin) Abels; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Gerard, Hugh, Martin, Clara, George, Eve, Avery, and Maverick. Also surviving are her sister, Alma (Fred) Broerman of Versailles; and sisters-in-law, Alma May of Frenchtown and Gloria May of Dayton.
In addition to her husband and parents, Cathryn was preceded in death by her brothers, Lewis, Urban, Wilber, and Arthur May; and by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Angela (Norbert) Prenger, Floriana (Walter) Fleck, Eileen (John) Fleck, and Gilbert (Judy) Knapke.
Cathryn was a 1953 graduate of Versailles High School.
She worked for 17 years at Huelsman Automotive in Chickasaw, where she provided dedicated service in the office before retiring.
She was a faithful member of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw. Cathryn and Roger shared a love for the outdoors, spending many years camping, hiking, and exploring the national parks across the country. Together, they proudly visited 49 of the 50 states. She had a particular passion for white-water rafting and was proud to have rafted the entire Grand Canyon three times. Cathryn also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Her faith was central to her life, and she will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her church, and her community.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to CALL Food Pantry, 420 N. Brandon Ave., Celina, or to EverHeart Hospice, 230 W. Main St., Coldwater.
Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to care for Cathryn and her family. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Homes Facebook page.
