Robert "Bud" Knepper

Robert “Bud” Knepper, age 96, passed away on January 2, 2021 of Covid related complications to his health. Bud was born in Akron, Ohio on July 25, 1924. He grew up in the Goose Town neighborhood of Akron and graduated from South High School in 1942. Bud served his country during WWII as a flight engineer/turret gunner of the 490th Bomb Group of the 8th A.F. in a B17 bomber stationed in Eye, England.

After the war ended, Bud and his brother, Dick, co-managed the family printing business of Rubber City Printery founded by his parents, Dallas and Sophia Knepper. Loving the printing trade as he did, Bud later founded Ohio Ad Printing Company in Cuyahoga Falls working with his older son, Bob, until his retirement. He continued to work part-time at small print shops in the area for several more years.

Bud married Louise Stecker on July 27, 1946. Louise was a beautiful young woman whose family happened to have lived next door to Bud’s family on Allyn Street years prior to their marriage. Together they raised four children, starting out in a home on Sumner Street and then relocating to Cuyahoga Falls in 1958. Bob, Laurie, Mike and Kathy recall many happy times spent boating at the Portage Lakes and tent camping at East Harbor State Park. Special times were spent going to drive-in movies, watching Uncle Dick play polo and taking family outings in the many cars their father purchased for his family of six. Convertibles were his favorite! Bud did take some time away from his family to enjoy bowling which was a sport he thoroughly enjoyed.

In his retirement years Bud purchased a small bungalow in Cuyahoga Falls where he liked to tinker with little projects, visit with family and friends and dine at restaurants. One of his favorites was Bob Evans as he looked forward to a car ride and a comforting meal. Always “easy going” – life’s simple pleasures meant the world to Bud.

Robert Eugene Knepper was preceded in death by his wife, Louise M. Knepper, his parents Sophia Pauline and Dallas Eugene Knepper, sister Regina Pauline (William) Budai, brother Richard Dallas (Rita) Knepper, nieces Lynn Marie Ake and Carol Ann Nez. He is survived by his children Robert Thomas (Christine) Knepper, Laura “Laurie” Louise (Mark) Gilles, Michael Ernest Knepper and Kathy Ann (Jim) Beeler, and grandchildren Charla (Jamie) Givens, Bob (Wendy) Knepper, Denise Knepper, Kristi Lambis, James (Jen) Knepper and Abbey (Kevin) McArthur and great-grandchildren Logan, David, Coraly, Sidney, Katelynn, Taylor, Cameron, Nicholas, Olivia, Vincent, Gwyneth and Leah. Also surviving are cousin, Catherine Morois of Mon Ami, Michigan, nieces Elizabeth Jean (John) Marshall, Gail Joan Knepper and Nephew, Greg Knepper.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Traditions Hospice (formerly known as Harbor Light Hospice) for their attentive and compassionate service.

A Walk-Thru Visitation will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021, COVID-19 protocols with social distancing and facial coverings are required. A private family service will follow with interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of other remembrances, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. To view the tribute video, send condolences or sign the guest book visit www.rosehillbp.com