Thomas M. Knape

Thomas M. Knape, loving father of Ashley Matuga and Alexandra Cordial passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at the age of 65. He was born on August 6, 1953 in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Karl and Henrietta (Wendt) Knape.

Tom was a skilled electrician and problem solver who appreciated having a project to work on or something to fix. He loved photography and almost always had a video camera in his hand.

For the past 11 years Tom has worked at Knape Industries with his family. He was fond of his coworkers and enjoyed seeing his niece, nephew and grand nieces around the shop. His brother John and family offered an endless source of support for Tom and he loved living close to them.

Tom worked at Modine Manufacturing in Pemberville for 19 years while he was starting a family and residing in Bowling Green, OH. He married Janet Metzger in September 1979 and they had 2 daughters together, but divorced after 22 years. During their marriage, they enjoyed renovating their Victorian era home with the help of Tom's brother Dan and taking family road trips to Florida.

He was happiest when he was on his boat with his family, taking weekend trips on Lake Erie when his daughters were growing up. He loved visiting his daughters and grandchildren in Colorado where he would help with home projects and go on family outings. Tom was quiet and thoughtful but quick to joke with you and could always make you smile.

He is survived by his daughters in Denver; Ashley (Tod) Matuga and Alexandra (Neal) Cordial; his grandchildren, Madden, Milo, and Theo Thomas Matuga; brother, John (Joyce) Knape, Ken Knape and Dan (Michelle) Knape; his niece and nephews and grand nieces.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister Patricia (Knape) Wojewodzic.

A memorial service will be planned in the spring.