Daniel Albert Knapke, age 81, of Enon, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2023.

He was born in Celina, Ohio, February 3, 1942, the son of Andrew and Lorena (Vogel) Knapke.

Dan lived in Coldwater, Ohio, until he graduated from Coldwater High School in 1960. He was on the varsity basketball, track, and diving teams. His father passed away when Dan was a young child, and his mother passed away when Dan was a senior in high school. He and his brother Larry were invited to live with Dick and Jan Barr and their son Rick, a relationship that endured throughout Dick and Jan's lives. Dan graduated from the University of Dayton in 1964. He became a regional sales manager for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, retiring after 34 years there. He was a devoted husband and father, declining promotions offered by KCC in order to stay in Tipp City and provide stability for his family. Each of his six children fondly recollect how he never missed one of their sporting or extracurricular events. This devotion extended beyond his children to include his grandchildren, as well. He was an avid golfer, playing almost year-round in Ohio and The Villages, Florida, during his retirement. He and his wife Georgene were active members of Christian Life Center for 20 years. Dan lived life to the fullest. In fact, wherever he was, you could count on him to know where to find the best pizza, pie, ice cream, and donuts.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret (Dues) Knapke, his infant grandson Andrew Knapke, his foster parents Dick and Jan Barr, and his sister-in-law Lorraine Knapke.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Georgene (Simmons Ford), his children Kimberly (Roger) Armbruster, Daniel (Laurie) Knapke Jr., Kelly (Joseph) Carner, Traci (Kevin) Mader, Douglas (Sara) Knapke, and Jacqueline (Jay Twomey) Knapke, his stepchildren Jerry (Laura) Ford II, and Leslie (Michael) Ray, 26 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and his brother Larry Knapke.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 12th. at Christian Life Center, 3489 Little York Road, Dayton, Ohio.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Burial at St. John's Cemetery in Tipp City, Ohio will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420 or Christian Life Center (address above).

To view his memorial video or leave online condolences, please visit www.littletonandrue.com.