Carol Knapke

Carol E. Knapke, age 73, of Fort Recovery, died Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Gardens of St Henry surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ALS. 

She was born on March 30, 1952, to the late Mark and Rosemay (Steinbrunner) Schwieterman. On Oct. 20, 1973, she married David L. Knapke, who survives.

Carol is survived by her children Jennifer and Andy Bruns, Coldwater, Ohio, Jeremy and Brianna Knapke, and Joshua and Sarah Knapke, Rockford, Ohio. Carol is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and one great-grandson; her siblings Dale and Nancy Schwieterman, St. Sebastian, Ohio, Ken and Gale Schwieterman, Lafayette, Marge and Harry Heitkamp, Maria Stein, Ohio, Ruth and Bill Link, St Henry, Ohio, Tim and Ann Schwieterman, St. Sebastian, Jane and Dale Hein, Chickasaw, Ohio, Glenn and Jo Schwieterman, Cassella, Ohio, and Joyce and Tim Kemper, Marietta, Georgia; her in-laws Linda and Jim Schwieterman of Maria Stein, Jean and Joe Puthoff of Chickasaw, Ken and Marilyn Knapke, Sharon and Gene Evers, Gary and Terri Knapke, and Dale and Katie Knapke, all of Maria Stein; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father- and mother in-law Urban and Mildred Knapke; and her Godchild Kurt Schwieterman.

Carol was a graduate of Marion Local High School and attended Bowling Green State University, achieving a degree in education. This was the start of what would turn into her passion in life. Carol taught third grade at Fort Recovery Local Schools for over 30 years. 

Upon retirement, she took a year off but quickly returned to the classroom at Wright State University Lake Campus teaching upcoming teachers. As an educator, she achieved The National Boards of Certified Teachers Award, a prestigious national teaching honor. She could not go anywhere without seeing someone she had taught sometime in her career.

Carol was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister and religion teacher, and was active in the Guatemala Mission committee. Carol was active in many local organizations in the Fort Recovery community. She was member and past president of the Fort Recovery Community Foundation. She was an active member of Psi Iota Xi Sorority and The Red Hat Ladies.

Carol’s greatest joy in life was her family and grandkids. She spent many hours spoiling her grandkids with cookies and zucchini bread. She never missed a sporting or school event. She was never one to say no to anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Guests may visit with Carol’s family on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers and memorial gifts, the family request that memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Recovery Community Foundation in support of The Fort Recovery Education Fund, Everheart Hospice or The ALS Association. 

Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or at hogenkampfh.com.