John W. Knapke, age 85 of Celina, passed away on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at the St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

He was born on July 15, 1933 in Celina, Ohio to the late Ado and Mildred (Post) Knapke. On Sept. 26, 1959 he married Lou Ann Wendel, who lives in Celina.

John is also survived by his children; Steve (Deb) Knapke of Rockford, Sheryl (Scott) Braun of Celina, Ken Knapke of Lima, Tracie (Tom) Huff of Coldwater, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and his brother-in-law Ivo (Lou) Wendel of Ft. Recovery.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters and brothers-in-law Shirley (Leo) Koesters and Lois (Jack) Williams.

John served his country in the United States Army as a Tank Mechanic in the 510th Tank Division from 1954-1956. He retired from the City of Celina. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, the Celina American Legion Post #210, the Celina V.F.W. Post #5713 and a member of the Celina Eagles #1291. He enjoyed gardening, working with his hands and he loved to play the slots.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, with Fr. Vince Wirtner, III C.PP.S. officiating. Burial with Military honors will follow in the Mercer Memory Gardens Cemetery in Celina.

Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. on Monday Nov. 12, 2018 and from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina. The American Legion Post #210 and the V.F.W. Post #5713 will hold military services at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, P.O. Box 634445 Cincinnati, Ohio 45263-4445 or the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Friends may share condolences on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.