Michael Lee ("Farmer") Knatz

OBITUARY

Michael “Farmer” Lee Knatz, 68, of Washington Twp. in rural Auglaize Co., OH died 9:24 p.m. on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at his residence.

He was born September 20, 1957 in Toledo, OH. On May 20, 1994 in Sevierville, TN he married Loretta Godfrey, who survives.

Also survived by:

grandson Prestin Godfrey (whom he raised with Loretta following the death of his parents)

sister Kay (Randy) Lauth of St. Marys, OH

nephew Chad David (fiance’ Taylor) Reiher of Grove City, OH

step-daughter Heather (Ty Rush) Crouch of St. Marys, OH

granddaughter Raven (Colton McCafferty) Crouch of Lakeview, OH

great-grandchild Jaxon Dewey McCafferty (and, another one due in the near future)

grandson Malachi Crouch of Toledo, OH

grandson Lucas (Deandrea) Coldiron of Celina, OH and their children: Blair, Darian and Gracie

numerous nieces and nephews

sister-in-law Zelda (Rex) Zizelman of Celina, OH

sister-in-law Kathy (Willis) Fortner of Coal Mountain, WV

sister-in-law Teresa Embry of Coolidge, AZ

Preceded in death by:

parents Harold and Donna Jean (Lenhart) Knatz; granddaughter Kelsey Marie Godfrey; step-son and wife Jamison (Jesica Reynolds) Godfrey

He was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1975).

He was a retired production employee from Copeland Corp. in Sidney, OH. In addition, he worked for Liette & Sons Dairy in St. Marys for many years.

His favorite pastime was collecting and restoring antique farm tractors.

Funeral rites are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 31, 2026 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys. Burial will follow at the Resthaven Memory Gardens near Moulton, OH.

Visitation 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home on Celina Road.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with “Farmer’s” family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.