Knight L. Wennerstrom, Sr., 78, of 13265 7th Road, died on Monday, November 27, 2000, at 8:11 p.m., in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, following a sudden illness. Knight has been a resident of Plymouth since 1951, coming from Culver, Ind.
He was born in Culver on Feb. 12, 1922, to August Edward and Naome Johnson Wennerstrom. He graduated from Culver High School in 1942.
A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from 1942 to 1945. He fought for his country in Normandy and the Rhineland and was awarded the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the European, African and Middle Eastern Theater ribbons with two Bronze Stars. He was a member of the Culver V.F.W. Post 6919 and the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 6, South Bend.
On Dec. 2, 1950, in Plymouth, Knight and Ruth E. Glassman were married.
A machinist, he had worked in various factories. He retired from Biomet in Warsaw in 1987.
One of Knight’s favorite pastimes was going to auctions and yard sales. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed woodcrafts, making many useful things. He loved playing Bingo and engaging in good conversation with friends. A practical joker, Knight also collected model cars and gadgets. He will be remembered as one who especially enjoyed being with his family–particularly his grandchildren.
Knight is survived by his wife, Ruth, a daughter and a son. His daughter is Linda and Shawn O’Keefe and their children, Stephanie and Corey O’Keefe, all of Plymouth. His son, Knight Wennerstrom, Jr., Plymouth, and his grandson Knight and Jeannie Wennerstrom III, of Teegarden, Ind., also survive.
A sister and three brothers survive as well. They are: Ann Gibbons, Rochester, August and Betty Wennerstrom, Jr., Culver and Delores Wennerstrom, all of Mishawaka and Clarence Wennerstrom, Las Vegas, Nev.
Knight was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bill and Ed Wennerstrom.
Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2000, in the funeral home. The Rev. Charles Krieg, pastor of the Pretty Lake Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate.
Military graveside services provided by the Culver V.F.W., Post 6919, will be held in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts in Knight’s memory may be made to the Culver V.F.W. Post 6919.