Robert E. Knatz, 91, of St. Marys, OH died 10:00 a.m. Sunday October 16, 2016 at Vancrest of St. Marys.

He was born May 27, 1925 in Noble Twp.-Auglaize Co., OH to Carl and Emma (Thielk) Knatz. On November 6, 1947 he married Joan Hertenstein, who died April 24, 2006.

Survivors include: daughter Sue Ellen (Bob) Harman of Celina, OH; son Dan (Teresa) Knatz of St. Marys, OH; son Larry Knatz of St. Marys, OH; daughter Lori (Steve) Hirschfeld of St. Marys, OH; 5 grandchildren: Matthew Knatz, Brian Knatz, Stacey (Kyle) Hotelling, Morgan Hirschfeld, Ryan (Christina) Harman; 4 great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Nathan and Lucas Knatz; Layne Frank; brother Harold (Jean) Knatz of St. Marys, OH; sister-in-law Carol Knatz of St. Marys, OH.

Preceded in death by: parents Carl and Emma Knatz; wife Joan Knatz; sister Dolores Stienecker; sister Wilma Moeller; brother Charles Knatz; great-granddaughter Olivia Knatz.

A veteran of the United States Navy, he served aboard the USS Tunedrake in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Mr. Knatz was a life-long dairy farmer in Noble Township. He also worked as a custodian and bus driver for St. Marys City Schools for 30 years.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and VFW Post #9289, both in St. Marys.

Services are scheduled to begin 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 22, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church 210 N. Wayne Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Bill Maki, officiating. Burial, with full graveside military honors, will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 4-6 p.m. Friday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home (314 W, High Street Chapel) in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the church.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.