Kenneth Wayne Knitz, 81, died Feb, 14, 2017, at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.  Kenneth was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Gibsonburg to the late A. Wayne and Edna (Houtz) Knitz.  On Feb. 10, 1955, he married Nancy Lee Knitz who survives.

Ken graduated from Troy-Luckey High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He retired as a machinist at Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria after 28 years.  Ken was an active member of Pandora United Methodist Church and a 34 year member of the Bloomdale Fire and EMS. 

Ken also had served as police chief and councilman for the Village of Bloomdale, coached youth baseball, enjoyed sports and any outdoor activities. 

Survivors also include five children, Steven (Ann) Knitz of Bowling Green, Kathy (Lynn) Wolford of Pandora, David (LuAnn) Knitz of Bloomdale, Kenneth (Kimberly) Knitz of Deshler, Karen (Jim Sr.) Stone of Fostoria; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and a brother, Terry (Debbie) Knitz of Fostoria.

Ken was preceded in death by a grandson; a great-granddaughter and infant twin sisters, Karen and Carol Knitz.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Pandora United Methodist Church.  Pastor Harry Scott officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Pandora United Methodist Church or the Bloomdale Fire and EMS.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Blanchard Valley ICU staff and Pastor Harry Scott for their compassion and care.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.