Earl L. Knutzen, Jr., 56, of 11470 East Drive in St. Marys, OH died 6:40 p.m. Wednesday September 14, 2011 at Lima Memorial Health System.

He was born July 30, 1956 in Lima, OH to Earl L. and Dolores “Dody” (Smith) Knutzen.

On October 31, 1997 in Wapakoneta, OH he married Rebecca Hawkey, who survives.

He is also survived by: 

Daughter, Jacklyn Knutzen  of Wapakoneta, OH

Son, Matthew Knutzen  of Wapakoneta, OH

Step-daughter, Elizabeth Sawmiller  of St. Marys, OH

Step-daughter, Kimberly (Luke) Schimpf  of Lima, OH

Brother, Kelly (Collette) Knutzen  of Uniopolis, OH

Brother-in-law, Daniel (Dee) Hawkey  of St. Marys, OH

Brother-in-law, Ron (Anita) Hawkey  of St. Marys, OH

Sister-in-law, Sharon Young  of St. Marys, OH

Brother-in-law, Scott (Dot) Hawkey  of St. Marys, OH

Brother-in-law, David (Ann) Hawkey  of St. Marys, OH

Sister-in-law, Diana (Michael) Alge  of Silver Lake, MI

Preceded in death by:  parents Earl & “Dody” Knutzen, Sr., step-son Ryan Sawmiller

He was a 1974 graduate of Wapakoneta High School.

Prior to his becoming disabled, he was employed in production at Plastipak Corp. in Jackson Center, OH.

He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, and then served an additional 20 years in the Ohio National Guard.

He was a member of FOE Aerie # 767 in St. Marys.

His favorite pastimes included fishing and following NASCAR. He also was a big fan of college and professional football, especially the Cleveland Browns. His family and friends will always remember his ability to tell great stories.

Services are scheduled 10:30 a.m. Monday September 19, 2011 at Miller – Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St. Marys, with The Rev. Bill Drummond, officiating. Burial will take place at Dayton National Cemetery, in Dayton, OH.

Visitation 5 – 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home on High Street.