James Knueven

LEIPSIC -- James J. "Jim" Knueven, 72, of Leipsic, died at 10:05 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 19, 1953, in Lima to the late Louis and Gertrude (Meyer) Knueven. On June 22, 1974, he married Jo'Dell Berger and she survives in Leipsic.

Other survivors include five children: Joy (AJ) Noriega of Ft. Jennings, Jaime (Jason) Garver of Lima, Jeff (Tasha) Knueven of Leipsic, Jeremy (Gloria) Knueven of Pandora and Jolene (Ryan) Siebeneck of Lima; seventeen grandchildren; six siblings: Sister Kathleen Knueven of Leipsic, Pat (Ken) Yeager of Toledo, Bob (Ronnie) Knueven of Colorado, Joe (Marian) Knueven of Indiana, Barb (Jim) Hankenhof of Toledo and Mike (Pam) Knueven of Deshler.

He was also preceded in death by two siblings: Father Gerald Knueven and Mary Lou (Denny) Wilwerding.

Jim dedicated his life to farming, a vocation he pursued with great passion and love. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leipsic, where he sang in St. Mary's youth choir during grade school. As an adult in the church, he graciously served as a former lector, commentator and choir member as well. He was also a member of the Ottawa Knights of Columbus. Jim was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Chicago Bears. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and loved spending time with friends and family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leipsic with Fr. George Wenzinger and Fr. Randy Giesige officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Leipsic, and one hour prior to mass on Tuesday at St. Mary's Parish Life Center, Leipsic. A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Leipsic Local School FFA Department, 232 Oak St., Leipsic, OH 45856 or St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leipsic. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.