Monday, June 17th, 2013
Ann Knapke
Ann K. Knapke, 72, Celina, died June 16, 2013.
She was born Jan. 14, 1941, in Celina, to Henry and Esther Nordenbrock Schenking. She married Thomas A. Knapke on July 4, 1964, and he survives.
Also surviving are her beloved children, Gregg (Deborah) Knapke of St. Paris and Beth (Thomas J.) Westgerdes of Fort Recovery; her sister, Elaine (Rocque) Kramer of Alexandria, Va.; her grandchildren, Todd (Amanda) Baker of St. Paris, Amber (Matt) Beavers of Springboro, Dylan Westgerdes of Fort Recovery; and her great-grandchild, Blakely Beavers of Springboro.
She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Jack and Fred Schenking.
She received her nursing degree from Mount St. Joseph College in 1963 and worked as a nurse for a time, but she decided she wanted to pursue a teaching career. In 1972, she received a master's degree in special education from Wright State University and enjoyed a teaching career of 30 years.
Although she enjoyed nursing and teaching, her greatest love was her family.
She also enjoyed a very active social life with her many friends. She had great fun with the pals in her chapter of the Red Hats Society. She enjoyed summertime getaways with the Lake Group, as well as wintering with her friends in Naples, Fla. She was a member of the Mercer County Retired Teachers Association and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. She tried daily to live her faith, and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina. She had many interests and hobbies, including sewing, cooking and traveling. She was an avid proponent of alternative methods of healing and health and wellness. Her belief in a holistic approach to all aspects of health led her to owning her own business, Gentle Health. She had a lifelong enthusiasm about education in general, but specifically art education. She took great pleasure in producing canvas paintings and hoped to inspire others to create art as a means of self-expression.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, Fr. Ron Wilker presiding.
Calling is 1-9 p.m. Wednesday and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina.
Memorials can be made to the Thomas A. and Ann K. Knapke Art Fund through the Mercer County Civic Foundation or the Thomas A. and Ann K. Knapke Scholarship through the Western Ohio Educational Foundation at Wright State University Lake Campus.
