Paul Edward Knapke

Paul Edward Knapke age 74 of Versailles, Ohio, passed away at 2:40 A.M. on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Wayne HealthCare in Greenville. Paul was born May 25, 1937 in Mercer County, Ohio, to the late Clement H. & Anna M. (Zumberge) Knapke.

Paul was a mechanic at Subler Transfer until 1983 and at Harold Pohl Transportation Inc. until 1999. Paul also owned Paul E. Knapke Inc. Trucking. Paul was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Frenchtown; Russia Knights of Columbus; Versailles Eagles; Poor Boys Tractor Pulling Club; Darke County Plowman; and the Darke County Power of the Past. Paul collected antique tractors and was an avid card player at E & R’s.

In addition to his parents, Paul is also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Scott Winner.

Paul is survived by his wife, Patricia M. (Berger) Knapke whom he married November 9, 1963; children, Mary Beth & Tim Mescher of Ft. Loramie, Carla & Dan Grieshop of Osgood, Janel Winner of Versailles and Friend Tim Winner, Vickie Knapke of Napoleon, and Becky & Greg Schulze of Versailles; grandchildren, Derek Mescher, Natalie Mescher, Craig Grieshop, Sean Grieshop, Alex Grieshop, Tara Winner, Chad Winner, Haley Winner, Blake Schulze and Tori Schulze; brothers & sisters-in-law, Mark & Elaine Knapke of Kalida, Ohio, and Jerry & Joan Knapke of Hamler, Ohio; sisters & brothers-in-law, Rita & Linus Monnin of Russia, Viola & Bob Bangasser of Freeport, Illinois, and Eileen & John Ehlers of Leipsic, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 12, 2011 at St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles with Rev. Fr. John White celebrant. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery in Frenchtown. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorial contributions may be made to Osgood Rescue Squad or Darke County Cancer Association.