Stanley Knisely

Stanley G. Knisely, of Auburn, passed away on June 25, 2024, in Fort Wayne. He was born on January 4, 1943, in Flint, MI, to the late Paul and Pearl (Miles) Knisely. He spent his formative years in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School, class of 1961. A loving husband, father, and friend, Stanley was known for his dedication to his family and his community. He was married to Marabeth Tompkins in Fort Wayne, on September 20, 1969, after meeting in June of that year. The couple lived and raised their two kids in rural Huntertown. Marabeth preceded Stan in death on August 5, 2012. Stan was later introduced to and married Terry (McDonnell) Wilgus, since August 28, 2014. Stanley spent his life devoted to those he loved. He spent his career working for Dana Fort Wayne until his retirement in 1998. He continued to work in his retirement, contributing to Ben Schmucker's Concrete and the Fort Wayne Auto Auction. A man of many interests, Stanley was a fixture at local auctions, enjoyed road trips, participated in cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean, and dedicated time volunteering for the Noble County Fair and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. Stanley was a member of the Avilla Masonic Lodge and was proud to be a 50-year Master Mason. He relished the winter months in Florida from 2014 until his health changed in recent years. Stanley is survived by his wife, Terry; his son, Jason (Lora) Knisely; his daughter, Amy (James) Miller; his two stepsons, Jimmy (Lawrence Morales) Wilgus and Jeff Wilgus; his stepdaughter, Maria (Dr. Dale) Greenberg; his two granddaughters, Lila Knisely and Sage Miller; seven step-grandchildren, Bradley, Logan, Phillip Wilgus, Matthew, Bryan, Lisa Greenberg, and Erin Georgiades. In addition to his parents and his first wife, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Ernie and Lavern Knisely; a sister-in-law, Sharon Knisely. A public calling will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same venue. Burial will follow at the Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association, Greater Indiana Chapter. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.