Edward Anton Knittig

Edward Anton Knittig, 86, of Fort Smith, went to be with his Lord and Savior on the morning of January 21, 2025. Born in Morrison Bluff, Arkansas, on March 1, 1938, Edward lived a full, faithful, and meaningful life.

In 1963, as they both attended Mass regularly at St. Boniface, Ed finally gathered the courage to ask Annette for a date. After a two-year courtship, they were married on October 9th, 1965. Their union lasted nearly 60 years, a testament to their deep love and commitment. Together, they raised three children, Doug Knittig (Amy), Tim Knittig (Heather), and Audra Watkins (Bob). Ed was a proud and devoted father, and a cherished grandfather to six grandchildren, Kyle, Laura, Matthew, Drew, Isabella, and Zoe.

His commitment to service was a hallmark of his character, as he always put the needs of others before his own. Ed was a man of faith, integrity, loyalty, and quiet strength who made a lasting impact on those around him.

In the early 1960s, Ed proudly served as an MP in the Air National Guard, demonstrating his dedication to his country. He was called up for the Berlin Crisis with orders cancelled after he had sold his car and quit his job. Ed was privileged to guard President Kennedy’s plane at the Fort Smith airport.

Ed was a union sheet metal worker for 38 years. He believed in training and apprenticeship to learn a craft. He served as a shop steward, always working to support his fellow members.

Ed enjoyed sporting activities. He played tennis and passed the sport to his sons. Little league baseball coaching was important to him for the family. His daughter preferred to focus on the camaraderie of sports. He looked forward to Wednesdays, competing in a bowling league.

Ed was a man of faith. Ed and Annette prayed the rosary everyday keeping family, friends, and any current needs in their intentions. He served on the parish council, as a eucharistic minister, and chair of the lawn social committee at St. Boniface for several years. On several occasions he entertained the Golden Club with a hayride and had many gatherings for the youth group at the farm.

Ed was a cattleman and loved his Charolais and Simmental cattle, particularly his bulls. He raised and sold beef. For a while, he sold or traded milk. One of his proudest moments was his first John Deere tractor purchase.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was an avid gardener. He had a garden in his backyard and was featured in the Times Record newspaper in June of 2012. He and his sons met the Canada Knittigs while hunting ducks and geese in Saskatchewan. He always kept ponds stocked for family fishing.

Ed enjoyed a life full of love, laughter, and the joy of spending time with his family. Ed will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, storytelling, and the warm presence he brought into every room.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Vogelpohl Knittig, their three children, six grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and numerous other family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Albert and Mary Knittig, Ed was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, Gene, and Louis Knittig; and his sisters, Sister Agatha Knittig, OSB, Marie Zaloudek, Rose Enderlin, and Lona Weisenfels.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Van Buren, with inurnment to follow at St. Benedict’s Columbarium in Subiaco. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Weisenfels, Al Weisenfels, Tom Gerard, Luke Knittig, Mike Knittig, and Jerry Knittig.

The family will visit with friends beginning at 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, 1025 E Pointer Trail, Van Buren 72956, or the Subiaco Abbey Health Center, 405 N Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco 72865.