Edward Knopf

Edward W. Knopf

100, passed away peacefully of natural causes July 22, 2013 in Plainfield, IN. Ed was born in Crown Point, IN to parents Matilda and Edward Knopf. Raised on a farm, Ed also worked odd jobs and purchased a new Ford which allowed him to find employment in Chicago during the depression. The Army called in 1942 and Ed served at Fort Bragg NC until 1945.

Ed and family dairy farmed in Palmer, IN until 1952 then moved to Indianapolis where he farmed, worked in HVAC, was proprietor of a lawnmower repair business, and worked in building maintenance at the Indiana State Capital when he retired.

With wife Bessie, Ed enjoyed euchre at the VFW and other venues. Travel, bowling, golf and reading were favorite pastimes. Their many friendships at Messiah Lutheran Church at Eagle Creek will always be cherished. Ed maintained membership at America Legion Post 500 in Speedway IN. As an avid race fan, Ed attended 50 consecutive Indy 500 races.

Surviving family are son Kenneth(Sylvia) in Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Joyce in Gary IN; brothers Emory(Beverly) and Kenneth in Crown Point; and daughter-in-law Sue Knopf in Indianapolis; Kenneth's grandchildren, Keith,(AZ), Mark(AZ), and Cale(NC); Great-Grandchildren Breana (Mark), Kaila (Keith), Joella and Jordan (Cale); step-children Mary Ellen Finchum, Brenda Stearsman, Jean Ghareeb, John Benton, Mike Benton, Rick Benton, Pam Wilbers and Stephanie Benton. Also Ed had 21 step grandchildren and 29 step great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death were wife, Martha(Strakis); wife, Bessie(Benton); son, Wayne(Sue); brother, Elmer(Pauline); step-children Gailene Rover(Benton) and David Benton.

A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church @ Eagle Creek at 11 am on Friday July 26, 2013. Address 6100 N Raceway Road, Indianapolis. A calling for family and friends will began at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.