Frank Joeseph Knittig, Sr.

Frank Joseph Knitting, Sr., of Farmington passed away April 20, 2010, at his residence at the age of 85. He was born on May 14, 1924, at Scranton, AR, son of the late Adolph Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth (Kaufman) Knittig. He was also preceded in death by brothers Bernard A., Adolph A., William M., Herman J., Justin B., Joseph, Adolph Otto H. and Paul E. Knittig, and by a sister Marie K. Streibel. With his mother and youngest brother, Frank moved to the St. Louis area at the age of 16 to join his older siblings. His first job off the farm was at Jennamens Store in South County, where he was a stockman and delivery person. Next he worked at a foundry, Common Wealth Steel at Madison, IL. While there, the firm sent him to school where he learned to read blueprint drawings. After that he found a job closer to home at Gaylord Container, where he worked for two years before workers went out on strike. Thanks to his knowledge of blueprints, he was able to quickly find a job at Mississippi Valley Structural Steel Co., where he remained for 18 years as a steel inspector. While there, the company supplied steel for the construction of the St. Louis Arch. On July 23, 1949, he was united in marriage with Rosemary Jeannine Hupfeld. Last year the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage. During the first ten years of their marriage, the couple lived in Lemay before moving to High Ridge in 1959. The following years Frank obtained a realtors license and began selling real estate for Aselman Realtors at High Ridge. In 1964 the family moved to the Farmington area where Frank had a job as a steel inspector at Ozark Steel Fabricators. He also sold real estate for Cavanaugh Realty, Koen Realty, Hartrup Realty, and Hulsey Realty. In 1982 Frank retired to enjoy all his grandchildren. Frank has been a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Farmington. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a Boy Scout leader at Troop 418 at St. Joseph and a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 1088 at Bonne Terre and a member of Council No. 12332 at Farmington. He had also been a member of the Optimist Club Bowling League, the Desloge Eagles No. 3350, and the Mineral Area and Farmington Elks clubs. In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children , Sharon Jean (Mike Sr.) Vargo, Cecelia Ann (William) Stoner-Marshall, and Nancy Lea Pate all of Huntington, IN, David George Knittig of Albuquerque, NM, Eileen Marie (Gary) Eckhoff of Desloge, and Frank Joseph (Rachel) Knittig, Jr., of Park Hills. Also surviving are grandchildren Michael E. (Anna) Vargo of Huntington, IN, Eileen M. Knittig of Phoenix, AZ, Jeannette M. (David) Koughn and Stephanie Pate, all of Huntington, IN, Eric N. (Jennifer) Davis, Jr. of St. Louis, Jeremy L. Vargo of Indianapolis, IN, Mathew S. (Crystal) Vargo of Lafayette, IN, Shannon V. (Mark Conn) Knittig of Roanoke, IN, Michelle Davis of Ft. Wayne, IN, Amy (Scott) Francis of Janesville, WI, Duane Eckhoff of Bonne Terre, Kyle Eckhoff of Farmington, Dylan Eckhoff of Desloge, and Jessica Pate of Hope, IN, Christopher Eckhoff and Ashley Williams, both of Park Hills. Great-granchildren are Jacob Vargo, Kayden Conn, Kimber Davis, Derik, Evan, and Vanessa Koughn, and Ryan Alwine, all of Huntington, IN, Wyatt Pate of Hope, IN, Brennan Francis of Janesville, WI, Wyatt, Austyn and Lillian, Emily Eckhoff, all of Bonne Terre, and Kayden Eckhoff of Farmington. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends also survive. Friends may call on Wednesday, April 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., with Parish Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial at New Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Masses. View tribute video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.