Richard "Rick" John Knechtges' Obituary
Age 70 of Leoni Township, passed away at Henry Ford Jackson on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Rick was born in Jackson, MI on Friday, January 25, 1952 to the late Theodore John and Lorraine Flossie Knechtges. He grew up on Pleasant Lake and graduated from Northwest Schools.
He is survived by three daughters, Vicki (Al) Barto, Kim (John Cochran) Lowe and Nicole (Raymond) Payne; nine grandchildren, Bobbie Jo (Jason) Kilpatrick, Richard (Kira) Barto, Brandy Ray (Nathan) Grove, Eva Sunkle, Kayla (Tammy) Lowe, Cherokee, Jordan, Shyanna and JonRay Payne; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Teddi Smith and Dee Papernik; brother-in-law, Dan Anas; several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Jo Knechtges earlier this year; daughter, Candace Lee Chatfield; grandson, Damian Koch; great-grandson, Alan Clifford Grove Jr.; great-great-grandson, Kayden Matthews-Kilpatrick; two sisters, Julie Anas and Peggy Knechtges; brothers-in-law, John Papernik and Bob Smith.
Rick worked for Jackson Die Cast for 23 years before the plant closed, then went on to Doors and Drawers in Dexter for the rest of his working career. He loved fishing, playing horseshoes and NASCAR. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at the Harmony Baptist Church (6475 Ann Arbor Road, Jackson, MI 49201) on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Rod Walker officiating. Visitation at the church for friends and family will begin at 1:00 pm.
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