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Rev. Paul E. Knecht

Rev. Paul E. “PK” Knecht, age 80, died at his home August 30, 2013, with family by his side. Paul was born on a farm 10 miles north of Hazen, North Dakota, to Edward and Regina Sailer Knecht on December 28, 1932. He graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a degree in social work then a Master’s Degree in social work from Syracuse University in New York. Paul also attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where he received his Divinity Degree. Paul worked with children most of his life.

He worked at the Lutheran Children’s Home in Waverly, Iowa, and in 1966 he accepted the position of Executive Director of Wernle Children’s Home in Richmond, Indiana. He was also President of IARCCA for many years. Paul retired in 1997.

Survivors include his wife, June, to whom he was married June 28, 1953; sons, Tim of Richmond and Rick of Des Moines, Iowa; daughters, Julia of Louisville, Kentucky and Jackie (Bill) Stuckey of Lynn, Indiana; one sister, Lillian DiMaggio of California; one brother, Helmuth Knecht of North Dakota; nine grandchildren, Staci (Eric) Mickelson, Andy Coles, Scott, Ben, and Paul Knecht, Rachel, Kurtis, Daniel, and Amanda Stuckey; and seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves a longtime dear friend, Ted Schwartz of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; one sister; son, Gary Knecht in 2011; and daughter-in-law, Lea Ann Knecht in 2012.

Visitation for Rev. Paul E. “PK” Knecht will be from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2013, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, with Rev. Robert Meckley officiating. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, IN 47374.

~Source: Doan & Mills Funeral Home