Judith E. Kleinknecht of Galion passed away Thursday evening, January 28, 2021 at Mill Creek Nursing Home at the age of 76. She was born January 19, 1945, in Crestline, Ohio, the youngest of six children of the late Karl Leo “Jack” Exenkamper and Georgia Ann (Wintringham) Exenkamper Spicer.
Judy was employed as a unit clerk at Galion Community Hospital for 39 years. She was very artistic, enjoyed many crafts, and designed custom greeting cards. Family was her top priority and she married the love of her life, Joe Kleinknecht on September 23, 1960. She especially enjoyed visiting with her family and friends from school. Her family includes her beloved dogs, Baxter and Abby, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought a special joy to her. Judy was a familiar face at area schools as she attended all the activities of both her children and grandchildren. Traveling with her sisters was a favorite activity and they created many treasured memories. Judy was a member of Galion Alliance Church for many years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Joe Kleinknecht; five children, Mike (Katie) Kleinknecht of Galion, Steven Kleinknecht of Powell, Sherry Diaz of Fort Myers, FL, Jennifer (Huston) Baker of Westerville and Tim Kleinknecht of Lexington; thirteen grandchildren, Chris Baker, Brieann Baker, Alex Baker, Christian Kleinknecht, Emma Kleinknecht, Steven Kleinknecht, Natasha Kragh, Nick Kragh, Alyse Diaz, Alexa Diaz, Jack Kleinknecht, Drew Kleinknecht and Mark Pfahler; five great-grandchildren; three siblings, Barb (Tom) Clutter, Sally (Dick) Ross and Mary (Joe) Gottfried; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob Penry and John “Dee Dee” Exenkamper.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way North, Galion, Ohio. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Rick Maddox will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. In adhering to the governor’s mandate, all guests are required to wear a face covering and maintain appropriate social distancing. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Galion Alliance Church Building Fund. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.