Carl Knipfel

Carl H. Knipfel, 93, of Bella Vista, Ark., formerly of Morton, Ill., passed away at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. He was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Beaver Crossing, Neb., to John and Clara (Gaukel) Knipfel. Carl was united in marriage to Carolyn Osten on May 5, 1946, in Rock Island, Ill. She preceded him in death on July 1, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Knipfel; and three brothers-in-law, Lloyd McLain, Denzel Harrison and Duane Utecht. Surviving are three sisters, Vera McLain and Ruth Harrison, both of York, Neb., and Irene Utecht of Glenville, Neb.; one sister-in-law, June Knipfel of York; and many nieces and nephews. Carl was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran having served on Tinian Island. He lived in Morton and worked for Caterpillar Inc. for many years before retiring in 1977. Carl was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton; Caterpillar Retirees Club and Antique Radio Club in Elgin. He enjoyed collecting antiques, playing cards and visiting with friends. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton, with the Rev. Jeff Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, where military rites will be conducted. Ludwig Mortuary in Morton is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 N. Missouri Ave., Morton, IL 61550; Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hill Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715; or The Lutheran Hour. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ludwigmortuary.com.