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Published August 23, 2012, 12:00 AM

Obituary: Frederick Knigge Sr.

Frederick “Fritz” G. Knigge Sr. was born November 25, 1919 in Seward Township, Nobles County, MN.

Frederick “Fritz” G. Knigge Sr. was born November 25, 1919 in Seward Township, Nobles County, MN. He was the son of Wilhelm and Augusta (Gehl) Knigge. After leaving school, he helped area farmers until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on January 28, 1942. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1944. He married Katherine Spinks on October 6, 1942.

Fritz and his family lived near Tucker, GA where he was a painting contractor until 1950. He moved his family to Willmar, MN to work with his brother, Robert Knigge, as a roofing contractor. In 1960, they moved to Worthington, where Fritz started the roofing business, Fritz Roofing Company. He retired in 1983.

Fritz’s favorite hobby was fishing on the Missouri River. All of his fishing buddies knew him as the Minnesota Fisherman. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing cards and spending time with his family. Fritz was known for telling a good joke and his hand-crafted wood roses.

Fritz died on Monday, August 20, 2012, at the Crossroads Care Center in Worthington, MN.

Survivors include his wife, Katherine Knigge; sons, William (Karen) Knigge and Frederick Jr. (Carolyn) Knigge; daughter, Lynette Duinkerken; grandchildren, Dawn (Sergio) Ruge, Ann (Greg) Stofferan, Heather Knigge, Meghan Knigge, Anna Lee (John) Polzine, Scott (Vicki) Knigge, Dave (Jolene) Knigge, Jeremy (Jessica) Duinkerken and Slade Kruse; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Alma Deaton and Darlene Knigge and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 24, 2012, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Worthington, MN, with Pastor Joe Behnke officiating. Private family burial will be prior to the service in the Worthington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fritz’s greatest joy in life was dancing with his sweetheart of 70 years, Kathy.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012, at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington.

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Judy M.
Amarillo, TX     08/25/2012 10:32 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Fritz passing. He and Kathy were my "second" set of parents as I was growing up in Worthington. We all spent many hours playing pinocle and whist, laughing and talking. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Judy (Lucks) Meyer Amarillo, Texas

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