Donald Luther Knupke

Donald L. “Don” Knupke, 78, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly late Thursday evening, November 3, 2022, at home.

            Born on December 8, 1943, in Sandusky, Ohio, the son of Luther Albert and Sarah Jane (Fairfield) Knupke. He was a 1961 graduate of Sandusky High School and after graduating, he enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. In his earlier years, he had driven truck for a variety of trucking companies and later worked with his brother, John, at Knupke Construction for several years before retiring.

            Don will be remembered by his family for how he loved to work with his hands, no matter the size of the project. He was drawn to building projects for his daughters and grandchildren while embracing an artistic side to him as he also enjoyed painting and drawing.

            Don was a life member of the AMVETS Post #17 and the V.F.W. post #2529, as well as a member of the American Legion Post #83.

            He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly A. “Bev” (Laws) Knupke, whom he married on August 20, 1966; his daughters, Kelly (Mike) Searles, Karri (John) Sharkey and Kristy (Ken Bakos) Knupke; his grandchildren, Gunar and Foster Riegelmayer, Allison, Cameron and Jack Sharkey, Olivia and Lily Smith and Brayden Fowler; his sister Laurie Gilbert; and many nieces and nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Dylan Sharkey; and his brother, John Knupke.

            It is his wish to be cremated. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for him on Thursday morning, November 10, 2022 at 10:00 am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Avenue, Sandusky. Fr. Mark Herzog officiating.  Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #83 and the VFW Post #2529.

            The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Cancer Service of Erie County, 505 E. Perkins Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 or to the Sandusky Public Library, 114 W. Adams Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

            Arrangements are entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio.

            Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Don’s family at davidfkoch.com

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