LEE A. KNIPSTEIN

Lee Allen Knipstein, age 61, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 after a two year courageous battle with cancer at his home. Born on July 11, 1946 in Decatur, IN, he was the son of Otto and Louise (Bieberich) Knipstein.A lifetime resident of Fort Wayne, IN, he graduated with the Class of 1964 from Arcola High School, Arcola, IN. On July 28, 2001, he married Annette E. Fogarty in Fort Wayne, IN. As a farmer, he took great pride in working the Knipstein family farm and his own farm. A former 17 year employee of International Harvester, Fort Wayne, he retired in 2008 from Poly-Hi/Quadrant with 24 years of service. An active member of the National Tractor Pull Association, he was also a member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. Survivors include his wife, Annette E. Knipstein of Fort Wayne; 2 sons, Christopher Knipstein and Michael Knipstein, both of Fort Wayne; brother, Leonard C.(Pearl K.) Knipstein of Fort Wayne; 1 sister, Darlene E. Stahlhut of Fort Wayne; nieces and nephews, Lowell Stahlhut, Kathy Perkins, Angie Harrell and Jodie Williams; and his beloved companion and dog, Hooch. His parents and brother-in-law, Donald William Paul Stahlhut, preceded him in death.Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2008 at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W California Road, Fort Wayne, IN with 1 hour of calling prior to service at the church. Pastor Jerry Nichols will officiate. Burial will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Coesse, Whitley County, IN. Memorials may be given in Mr. Knipsteins memory to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.