John is predeceased by his wife Edith M. Knapke, sister Jean Coffman, and parents Elmer and Helen Knapke.
He is survived by his daughter Mary L. Severe, granddaughter Debra (Sam) Mathews, four great grandchildren, Kevin Mathews, Taraisa (Ronny) Williams, Taryn (Kevin) Bingham, and Kyle (Alecea) Mathews, and 11 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 2PM-4PM at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293. A mass will take place at 10AM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 770 Kilbourne Ave, Englewood, FL 34223. Entombment will follow at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, 2401 Englewood Rd, Englewood, FL 34223.
