Ben J. Knapek

Ben J. Knapek, age 94, of Penelope, passed away late Thursday evening, January 24, 2013 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Penelope, with Rev. Ouseph Thekkumthala as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near Penelope, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Knapek was born November 2, 1918 in Mt. Calm, the son of Joe and Mary (Hlavenka) Knapek. He attended the old Griffin School and Mt. Calm School. He served his country with the United States Army during World War II in the South Pacific. Ben was involved with the occupation of Japan immediately following the end of the war. On February 17, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lottie Grones in Abbott. Ben operated a family farm in Penelope all his life until he retired in 1982. He was a lifelong and faithful member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Penelope. Ben was also a member of the K.J.T. Society #50, R.V.O.S. Lodge, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819. He enjoyed talking about farming, listening to Czech music and dancing Polkas. Ben especially loved to spend time with his family. Ben is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Eddie Knapek, John Knapek and Raymond Knapek; and six sisters, Mary Bartosh, Matilda Sykora, Christine Sykora, Nora Holacka, Albina Kubala and his twin, Olga Hutyra. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Lottie Knapek of Penelope; two sons, Eugene Knapek and wife Cindy and Larry Knapek, all of West; grandchildren, Scott Knapek and Paige Knapek; sister-in-law, Rosie Knapek; brother-in-law, Jerry Grones and wife Josie; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Scott Knapek, Paige Knapek, Ed Sykora, Gary Grones, Henry Knapek and Alvin Sykora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.