Phyllis J. Knappke, 94, formerly of Jamestown, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk. She was born on May 22, 1931 in West Winfield, NY, a daughter of the late Harold and Esther Plato Love.
Phyllis was a devoted member of the Jehovah's Witness Martin Road Congregation. She was also an accomplished pianist and organist who found great joy in sharing her musical talents.
Surviving is her son, Karl (Renya) Knappke of Dunkirk; two grandchildren, Kathryn Zuck and Garrett Knappke; stepgrandson, Kyle (Claire) Matteson; great-grandchildren, Keith and Elijah Zuck; a brother, Rodney Love of Fayetteville, GA; a sister, Zorena (David) Vincent of Sharpsburg, GA; a sister-in-law, Iris Cornock of High Ridge, MO; a brother-in-law, David Lyons of Sharpsburg, GA; and nieces and nephews, Julie Bluehs, Jeff Lyons, Peter Love, Laurie Adams, Melissa Michelle, Shelly Johnson, Dan Cornock, Todd Vincent and Amy Biendicho. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ferdinand "Sonny" Knappke, whom she married on May 9, 1953 and who died on April 10, 2000; a sister, Judy Lyons; a brother-in-law, Richard Cornock; a sister-in-law, Lydia Love; a niece, Wendy Vincent; and a grandson-in-law, Colin Zuck.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 1:30 PM in Kingdom Hall, 180 Martin Road in Jamestown. Nephew and elder Peter Love will officiate. Friends will be received at Kingdom Hall from 1:00-1:30 PM. Zoom access is available with Meeting ID 85716106053 and Passcode 564487. A private burial will be held by the family in Allen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jehovah's Witnesses, 180 Martin Road Congregation.
Arrangements are by the Lind Funeral Home, 805 West 3rd Street in Jamestown. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.
