1934-2026
John M. Knisely, 92, of West Liberty, passed away at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 21, 1934, to the late Morris Burnell Edison and Eula Virginia (Reed) Knisely.
On October 4, 1958, he married Miriam Eileen (Margraf) Knisely, and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2024.
John is survived by his children, Joel (Frieda) Knisely of Walden, New York, and Jill (Terry) McKellop of Zanesfield; grandchildren, Kendra (Aaron) Howard of Zanesfield, Kayla McKellop of Marion, Christina Settles of New York, and Alex Rhea of Nevada; great-grandchildren, Theodore Howard, Iris Howard, and Harley Settles; nieces and nephews, Joanne (Larry) Westerman, David Margraf, Kate Emerine, Brian (Becky) Knisely, and Janice (Larry) Ledbetter.
Along with his parents and wife, John was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Noah Howard, and brother, James Knisely.
John worked for General Telephone & Electronics Corporation, which eventually became Verizon, in Marion, Ohio, for 35 years. He played competitive duplicate bridge at the Marion and Logan County centers for about 40 years, earning Ruby Life Master status. An avid Ohio State football fan, John attended a few home and away games and watched many more on television. He was often seen wearing an Ohio State hat. He loved jokes, especially good, clean dad jokes. John will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Pastor Paul Burgeson will officiate a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16th at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Lutheran Church, 1777 County Road 5
Zanesfield, Ohio 43360.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Knisely family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at eichholtzdaring.com.
