Eugene Oliver Knobloch, 80, of Hopkins, died Friday, Dec. 14, at Metro Health Hospital, Wyoming.
Born Oct. 7, 1938, in Hopkins, he was the son of the late Oliver and Margaret (Culver) Knobloch and was the husband of Patricia (Domanski) Knobloch. Mr. Knobloch was a graduate of Central Michigan University where he was an All-American football player where he played four years.
He was a retired social studies and physical education teacher for Wayland Union High School. He had a fondness for learning about history and loved ancient artifacts. Though he formally taught for 38 years, Mr. Knobloch remained dedicated to teaching, mentoring and helping others throughout his life.
While at Wayland Union he also coached football, wrestling, basketball and track. For over 30 years Mr. Knobloch and his wife dealt antiques throughout the summer months; they eventually amassed a staff of more than 60 young people who helped to sell their wares.
Later they grew and sold vegetables, particularly heirloom tomatoes, at various farmer’s markets. Mr. and Mrs. Knobloch also took on the responsibility of becoming foster parents and, over their six years in this service, took in more than 40 children.
Besides his wife of nearly 41 years, he is survived by his children, Kira Hensley, Renee (Douglas) Swaney, Dr. Daniel (Carrie) Knobloch, Mark (Kristine) Althouse and Valerie (Bill) Hart; daughter-in-law, Therese Lamport; grandchildren, Amber (Pat) Craddock, Joshua (Emily) Ranney, Kyle (Jenny) Ranney, Seth (Jerrolyn) Ranney, Ethan Fazer, Shane (Jourdan) Swaney, Alaina Swaney, Mitchell Swaney, Selah Swaney, Benjamin Knobloch, Alexandra Knobloch, Emerson Knobloch, Chad (Ashleigh) Althouse, Paige (Cody) Brummel, Amanda Hart and Rebecca Hart; great-grandchildren, Keegan Craddock, Ian Craddock, Caiden Ranney, Caleb Tucker, Alayna Ranney, Skylyn Ranney, Ashten Ranney, Lexon Swanney, Lucy Althouse and Sophie Brummel, who is expected to make her debut in March.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Christopher Althouse and Kristov Knobloch.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hopkins. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan.
