Longtime Wayland teacher and coach Eugene Knobloch of Hopkins died Friday. He was 80.

Knobloch, who only two months ago celebrated his 80th birthday, came to Wayland to teach social studies and coach varsity football in the fall of 1965, graduated from Hopkins High School and Central Michigan University. He was Wayland’s assistant varsity football coach under Lyle Berry from 1965 to 1968 and took over the head coaching post in 1969.

Knobloch was Wayland’s first-ever varsity wrestling coach, starting in 1967.

The greatest tragedy for him and his wife, Pat, came 25 years ago with the traffic death of their son, Kris, an all-state football player for Hopkins and an all-MIAA linebacker at Albion College.

Knobloch had been attempting rehabilitation from an illness, but he died Friday at a home.

Further details of funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

5 Comments

Don't Tread On Me
December 14, 2018
Both Wayland and Hopkins schools have lost a great student and teaching/coaching alumnus. I had great respect for him as a man, mentor, teacher, and coach. He was a student and teacher of history, and his classes were always informative and spirited. My deepest condolences to the family and may God welcome His faithful servant into the Holy Kingdom. Coach, thanks for being a big part in my life.
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Terry
December 14, 2018
Mr Knobloch was my social studies teacher back when I was in school at Wayland. He was a mentor and an amazing man in the school and in the community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Thank you coach for being a pivotal part of my life and a great friend
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Patricia Adams Clark
December 15, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Gene Knobloch. He was the reason I got a degree in history and ultimately ended up running living history programs for school kids on the tall ships at the San Francisco Maritime National Park. Thanks Mr. K!
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dennis longstreet
December 15, 2018
Mr. Knobloch was my phys ed teacher who loved to play dodge ball, hated to lose. What good times! He had values and passed them on to us. A good man. Hate to hear he is gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace Mr. K
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Renee
December 15, 2018
I remember what a great artist he was. He was an amazing man who taught you to think for yourself. One of my favorite quotes "you know why you have a belly button right? So you can put salt in it to dip your celary into it when you're laying on your bed watching television"
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