January 28, 1942 – March 24, 2023
Judith A. Knapke, age 81, of Coldwater and formerly of Chickasaw, died on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Briarwood Village in Coldwater. She was born January 28, 1942, in Coldwater, to the late Raymond & Juliana (Selhorst) Wilker. On June 10, 1970, she married Gilbert Knapke. Gilbert survives in Briarwood Village in Coldwater. Judy is also survived by two sons and their wives, Kevin & Hala Knapke of Greenville, and Bradley & Angie Knapke of Chickasaw, four grandchildren, Ben & Rachel Smith, Tucker & Jenna Smith, Ellie and Carter Knapke, and two great grandchildren, Paisley and Luke. Also surviving Judy are siblings and in-laws: Kennth & Marilyn Wilker of St. Sebastian, Dottie Wilker of Dayton, Janet Wilker of Montezuma, John Wilker of Atlanta, GA, Greg & Linda Wilker of Perrysburg, and Catherine Knapke of Celina.
In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by siblings: Don Wilker, Stan Wilker, and Terry Wilker, and her father and mother-in-law, Frank & Regina Knapke, as well as in-laws: Debbie Wilker, Angela & Norbert Prenger, Eileen & John Fleck, Walt & Floriana Fleck, and Roger Knapke.
Judy spent most of her married life as a full-time homemaker. However she was known as the Home Interior lady for many years, which was the perfect job for a woman with the gift of gab. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to everyone that she crossed paths with. She was even known to make friendships in waiting rooms. Her favorite pastime was talking to people, especially on the phone. She loved her family, her friends “the crafty crew,” the Cincinnati Reds- especially Johnny Bench, Elvis, and the Marion Local Flyers. She will be missed by many. She was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw and was a member of the Ladies Sodality at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw, with Fr. Mark Hoying, officiating. The funeral mass will be livestreamed at www.marioncatholiccommunity.org/live-stream. A burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery, Chickasaw. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday, March 26, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry. Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.