Gretchen R. Knecht

Oct. 13, 1934 – July 11, 2022

Gretchen R. Knecht passed away peacefully with family at her side on July 11, 2022, at Ben Hur Nursing Home.

She was born on Oct. 13, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Paul and Marcella (Tenbrunsel) Bohman.

She married Glenn J. Knecht on June 25, 1955, and they spent over 63 years together until his passing in 2019 – always his biggest cheerleader.

She was a graduate of Mercy High School where she excelled in art, mathematics and sports. She was a longtime member of St. Bernard’s Church where she served on committees. A champion of the disabled, she worked with special needs adults and children. Her administrative skills were employed by state and local government agencies and businesses.

She raised her five children in Ivy Hills, and she was often sought-after for advice by new mothers.

Survivors include her children, Gwen (Dan) Hillestad, Jerry (Sharon) Knecht, Jim (Angela) Knecht, Kurt Knecht, and Connie (Jerry) James; eight grandchildren, Sheena (Kyle) Lutes, Kelly (Hope) Knecht, Blaine (Sarah) Jordan, Taylor James, Timmy James, Kennedy (Robby) Barton and Collin Knecht; two brothers Thomas and Mark Bohman; and her close friend, Sandy Reichard.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn; grandson, Cory Knecht; and brother, Gregory Bohman.

Visitation is scheduled on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Bernard’s Church, 1306 E. Main Street in Crawfordsville from 10 a.m. until a service at 12 noon. Cremation will follow with a private burial in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Gretchen’s memory to Cory Knecht Memorial Scholarship at the Montgomery County Community Foundation, PO Box 334, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or online at https://www.mccf-in.org/cory-knecht-memorial-scholarship. Share memories and condolences at www.SandersFuneralCare.com