Fernest L. Knuth

Fernest L. Knuth, 90, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday evening, July 22, 2006 in his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, with Rev. Brad Kelly officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph with military rites. Visitation with the family will be held Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to either Hospice at Home or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fernest was born November 21, 1915 in St. Joseph. He was one of seven children born to Ferdinand & Augusta Knuth. On September 25, 1937 he married Martha Gallert and together they had eleven children. Fernest retired from the St. Joseph Post Office after 35 years of service. He enjoyed sports and was a Detroit Tiger’s “Super-fan” along with the Detroit Lions. He also enjoyed gardening. Fernest loved his Lord and served as a deacon at Christ Evl. Lutheran Church. Most of all he cherished his family and particularly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participating in athletic competition. Fernest is survived by his children, Maridee (Daryl) Wildermuth of Puyallup, WA, Fred (Sally) Knuth of St. Joseph, Jim (Connie) Knuth of Durham, NC, Linda (Ron) Fites of St. Joseph, Dan (Cheryl) Knuth of St. Joseph, Steve (Linda) Knuth of St. Joseph, David (Karen) Knuth of Stevensville, Mark (Renee) Knuth of Comstock Park, MI, Michael (Karen) Knuth of St. Joseph, Christine (Dennis) Scharnowske of St. Joseph, and Paul (Debbie) Knuth of St. Joseph; 39 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; sisters, Louise Franks of Buchanan and Margaret Lentz of Berrien Springs; brother Lawrence Knuth; and numerous extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Martha in 2001; brothers, Erwin & Oscar Knuth; sister, Anita Lange; and his great-grandsons, Levi Rogers and Nathaniel Schultz.