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Roger A. Kniss of Schoolcraft passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the age of 75. Roger was born on October 8, 1947 in Kalamazoo. He was the son of Edwin and Jeanette (Klosterman) Kniss. He was a member the Delton-Kellogg High School Class of 1966. After high school he joined the United States Air Force and served from 1966 until 1970 earning the rank of Sergeant. When he returned, he married Vera Marie (Smith) Kniss on June 21, 1971. For over 30 years he worked for Lear in Mendon before retiring. Roger’s family loved it when he would make breakfast on the weekends. He was very family-oriented and loved going to family events and sporting activities. Outside of work, he was involved with baseball and was an umpire for many years. He once even umpired a local all-star game that Derek Jeter played in when he was younger. Other hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing golf and watching football. Roger was a proud member of the American Legion Post 475 in Schoolcraft and was a past commander. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2303 in Three Rivers. His family will remember him as a person who was kind hearted, generous, fun loving, adventurous, and having a great sense of humor.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife Vera; son: Roger A. Kniss, Jr; brother: Dan Kniss; two sisters: Barb Hudson; Gail Aldridge and son-in-law: Mark Barnebee.
He is survived by his five children: Tina Griffith, of Vicksburg; Dawn Barnebee, of Vicksburg; Edith Adams, of TX; Robin Major, of Vicksburg; and James Tyler, of IL; nine grandchildren: Earl (Sara) Holbrook, of Paw Paw; Michanna Holbrook, of Marcellus; Ashley Barnebee, of Vicksburg; Laura (Eric) Adams, of TX; Nicole (Kareem) Price, of TX; Bobby (Heather) Adams, of Vicksburg; Arden Major, of Vicksburg; Larissa Major, of Three Rivers; Colt Tyler, of IL; and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother: Donald Kniss, of Augusta; Laraine (Ron) Whiteaker, of AR and brother-in-law: Jim Hudson, of Detroit; several nieces and nephews; and his special friend Janet Bresson.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 30th at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft, 224 East Cass Street, Schoolcraft. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10am. Burial at Vicksburg Cemetery.
While visiting Roger’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign his guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to Generous Hands.
The Kniss family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.
