Harold J. Knapke and Ruth L. "Doc" Knapke

VERSAILLES - Harold J. "Doc" Knapke, 91, and his wife, Ruth L. Knapke, 89, of Russia, formerly of Fort Recovery, both passed away Aug. 11, 2013, at Versailles Health Care Center, Versailles.

They shared the same room and passed away approximately 10 hours from each other. He was born Jan. 5, 1922, in Coldwater, to the late Bernard Knapke and the late Sophia Hartings. She was born Dec. 17, 1923, in St. Henry, to the late Edward Schmitz and the late Elizabeth Romer. They were married Aug. 20, 1947, at St. Henry. They will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary together in heaven on Aug. 20.

Surviving are sons, Ted (Deborah) Knapke, of Columbus, Tim (Judy) Knapke, of Portland, Ind.; daughters, Ginny (Tom) Reindl, of Wellsboro, Pa., Margaret Knapke, of Dayton, Carol (Gary) Romie, of Centerville, and Pat (Rick) Simon, of Russia; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lucille Knapke, of Fort Recovery.

Deceased are their infant son, Jeffrey; his brothers, Edward, Romie, Clarence, William, and Sylvester; sisters, Alma Lamm and Helen Gels. Also deceased are her brother, Gerald Schmitz, and sister, Edna Blythe.

He was a 1940 graduate of Fort Recovery High School and received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Dayton and a master's degree from Ball State University. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. He was a teacher, principal, coach, and athletic director at Fort Recovery Schools over a 25-year period. He was also a teacher at East Jay Junior High School, Portland, Ind., for 15 years and was a former co-owner of Miracle Lanes Bowling Alley, Fort Recovery. He was inducted into the Fort Recovery Athletic Hall of Fame and the Fort Recovery Alumni Hall of Fame.

She was a graduate of St. Henry High School and was a secretary at the former West Elementary School, Fort Recovery.

They were members of St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia, and former members of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery, the Rev. Thomas Dorn celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Marys Cemetery, Fort Recovery. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Fort Recovery for Harold.

Calling is 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, contributions may be directed to Wilson Hospice or the Harold and Ruth Knapke Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be left at www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.