(West Unity Resident)
Duane Knisely, 83, of West Unity, Ohio, was called home to Heaven on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Duane was born on March 5, 1941, in Hudson, Michigan, son of the late Charles and Myrtle (Gaw) Knisely. He was a 1959 graduate of Gorham-Fayette High School.
He was a lifelong farmer and later obtained a teaching certification from The Ohio State University. Duane married Onalee Hershiser on November 22, 1958, at their family homestead in West Unity. She preceded him in death on November 27, 2021.
He worked as an Agriculture Education teacher for over 22 years. He spent most of his career teaching at Liberty Center High School where he taught for 17 ½ years. His love for farming and the outdoors was evident to anyone who knew Duane.
He enjoyed mowing his property and taking care of the family homestead. Duane was a faithful member of Lakeview United Brethen Church in Camden, Michigan. He enjoyed serving as a Welcome Warrior, participated in the men’s bible study, men’s breakfast events, served as a Sunday school teacher, a VBS and Awana teacher, was on the Administrative Board as well as the Church Impact Building Committee.
Along with his service to his church, Duane was active in the Williams County Habitat for Humanity. Duane loved fellowship with his family and friends and was always known to share a good joke.
Surviving are his four children, Marcus (Barbara) Knisely of West Fargo, North Dakota, Michael (Teresa) Knisely of Sylvania, Ohio, Melissa (Stanley) Harris of Archbold, Ohio, and Murray (Victoria) Knisely of Asheboro, North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Onalee; four brothers and one sister.
The family is holding A Celebration of Life Service for Duane beginning 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Lakeview United Brethren Church, 4616 East Territorial Road, Camden, Michigan, with Pastor Stephen E. Smith officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends two hours prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church. Private inurnment will take place at West Franklin Cemetery, Fayette, Ohio.
Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 202 North Liberty Street, West Unity.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Williams County Habitat for Humanity. Condolences may be sent to the family, or the online guestbook may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com.
