Roy John Knittel

Roy John Knittel, 77, of South Haven, died peacefully Monday, January 14, 2013, at his home with his family by his side.  He was born August 29, 1935, to Clarence and Maria Theresa (Bartl) Knittel in Chicago, Illinois.  He was baptized in Chicago prior to moving to South Haven in 1943, where his family made their home.

Roy was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather.  He married Phyllis Brodhagen on November 27, 1953,and they were blessed with 59 years of arguing….oops, marriage.  He was a master painter and paper hanger for 62 years and owned and operated Roy Knittel Painting and Decorating.  He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life such as fishing, hunting, trap shooting, bowling, golf, and playing cards.  Roy was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven, serving many years as trustee and elder.  He loved a good joke, and his quick wit will be missed by his friends and family.  Roy was a man of deep faith, and his family is comforted, knowing that he now lives with his Savior in heaven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother – Ron Knittel, and two granddaughters – Kayla Knittel and Kelsey Hunt.
Roy is survived by his wife – Phyllis; three children – Lynn (Larry) Sellnow of Wyoming, MI, Nancy (Todd) Hunt of Newton, NC, and David (Deb) Knittel of Grove City, OH; 8 grandchildren – Angela, Stephanie, Megan, Rachel, Sydney, Nicole, Zachary, and Lucas; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, January 18 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven with Pastor Clint Rogas officiating. Roy will be laid to rest at Chambers Cemetery in Geneva Township.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church or School or to Hospice at Home.