Fred Knabe Jr.

Fred Knabe Jr., 88, of Washington, IL, passed away on December 28, 2020. He was born in Franklin, Indiana, on July 10, 1932, to Frederick Knabe and Mary Squires. 

Fred graduated from Washington High School. He met and married his High School sweetheart Ruth O'Dell on September 21, 1951. She passed away on February 20, 2010. 
 

While working for WABCO, Fred was transferred to Ames, IA, and then San Leandro, CA. He and Ruth raised two children, Chuck and Barbara Knabe. Fred traveled frequently but always made it home in time for Chuck and Barb's sporting activities. After the children were grown, other business opportunities took Fred and Ruth to many states to live and explore. Eventually, they decided to come home to Washington, IL, to retire. Fred loved the Lord, loved being Ruth's husband and father to his children. Fred found joy making homemade ice cream, growing vegetables, and woodworking.
 

Fred met Donna Cunningham and was blessed to have someone to love and share life with again. They married on September 9, 2018, at Newcastle Bible Church. He is survived by his wife Donna Knabe of Washington, IL, his son Chuck Knabe (Melissa) of Roseville, California passed away April 11, 2021; his daughter Barbara Knabe of Los Angeles, CA. Further surviving are two grandsons Jaxon Weiss of Los Angeles, CA.; Elliott (Kelsey) Voris-Knabe and great-granddaughter Everleigh Rose Voris-Knabe all of Broken Arrow, OK. His sister Shirley Hess, brother Larry (Cheryl) Knabe and sister-n-law Gini McCoy also survive. 
 

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Newcastle Bible Church, 17931 Dee-Mac Rd in rural Mackinaw, IL. There will be no visitation. Pastor Phil Sommers will officiate. Mason White Funeral Home in Washington will assist with the service. Private burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. To share a memory or to send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
 

Dad, you were the best father a girl could have, and you are missed every day.

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