Wilbur Martin Knipstein

Wilbur Martin Knipstein , 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, entered Heaven in the early morning hours of December 10, 2020. His last breath was peaceful and took place in the family farm home where he's lived for the past 76 years.

Wilbur's life was built on a bedrock of Christian faith, and defined by hard work, strong character and a commitment to do the right thing – all values he passed along to a large, close knit extended family.

Wilbur was born on January 16, 1933, as the youngest son of Christ and Frieda (Poehler) Knipstein and baptized while still in the hospital as a premature infant. He was confirmed March 30, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. He married his wife of 64 years, Maxine E Heine, on June 2, 1956, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine, and their four daughters: Karen (Rev. Timothy) Krupski of Noblesville, Luann (Dan) Vachon of Fort Wayne, Janell (Bill) Vaughan of Rutherford, NJ, and Susan (Tim) Imler of Fort Wayne.

Twelve grandchildren : John (Stephanie) Krupski, Peter (Alison) Krupski, Thomas (Sydney) Krupski, Noelle (Chris) Webb, Rachel (Cody) Slaven, Daniel Krupski, Andrew (Gillian) Vachon, Christopher (Brittany) Vachon, Madeline Imler, Mitchell Imler, Maxwell Imler, and Ike Imler

Four great-grandchildren : Emmalyn, Henry Wilbur, Parker, and Vivian Vachon

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy Vachon, and two brothers Alvin, and Walter "Butch" Knipstein.

After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Wilbur returned to purchase the family dairy farm and spent the next several decades farming and milking cows as a Prairie Farms supplier. In addition, he worked for International Harvester for 39 years, starting in 1958 as an all-around machine apprentice. He was selected "Best Apprentice" in Indiana and spent his last 25 years at IH and later Navistar in various management roles.

Beyond farming and a day job, Wilbur was a faithful servant volunteer for his church in many capacities including leading two major building projects. For more than two decades he served on boards for Concordia Lutheran High School and the Concordia Educational Foundation. Wilbur was active in the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Good Roads Committee, and was instrumental in the creation of I-469.

Wilbur's priorities are reflected in the tight bonds of the family he leaves behind. They are evidence of the great life he lived and they will carry on his legacy of hard work, humility and faith.

"Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Arrangements:

Visitation: 4-7 pm Wednesday , December 16 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, and from 9:30 to 10:30 am Thursday at the church prior to the service. Masks are required.

Funeral: Thursday, Dec. 17, 11 am , Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Preferred memorials: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne or Worship Anew.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana