Gretchen R. Knecht passed away peacefully with family at her side on Monday, July 11, 2022, at Ben Hur Nursing Home.
She was born Oct. 13, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Paul and Marcella (Tenbrunsel) Bohman. Gretchen married Glenn J. Knecht on June 25, 1955, and they spent over 63 years together until his passing in 2019 — always his biggest cheerleader.
Gretchen 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. Gretchen’s administrative skills were employed by state and local government agencies and businesses.
Gretchen raised her five children in Ivy Hills, and she was often sought-after for advice by new mothers. She is survived by 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 will be held Saturday, July 16 at St. Bernard’s Church, 1306 E. Main St., Crawfordsville, from 10 a.m. until a service at noon. Cremation will follow with a private burial in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gretchen’s memory to Cory Knecht Memorial Scholarship at the Montgomery County Community Foundation, P.O. 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.
