Dr. Walter H. McKnight

June 9, 1923 - July 9, 2002

Loving husband, father and grandfather, Walter Henry "Hank" McKnight, D.P.M., 79, passed away due to natural causes on •Tuesday, July 9, in the Fountainview Place Nursing Home, Mishawaka, Ind., in the presence of his family. He was born on June 9, 1923, in South Bend, Ind., to James H. and Josephine McKnight, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, George; and by a sister, Eoline.

His wife of almost 50 years, Leona Jane Bartoszek, survives. They were married in 1952 in St. Hedwig Church, South Bend, and have lived in this area all their lives. His daughter, Melanie Brewer, her spouse, Daniel, and three grandchildren, Shannon, Jesse and Haylee, and one great-grandchild, Jacob, all of Granger, Ind., also survive. His son, Scott, and spouse, Michelle, live in Lakeville, Ind.

A 1941 graduate of Central High School, Walter served in the U.S. Army. During his service in World War I1, he was trained at the University of Tennessee as an X- ray technician. He returned from service to attend Roosevelt College, Northwestern and the Illinois College of Chiropody in Chicago, Ill., and graduated in 1949. He had a podiatry career of 43 years in South Bend, specializing in foot surgery. For many years he practiced in downtown South Bend at the former Sherland Building. He was a voracious reader, and history buff, favoring Gen. George Patton as one of his heroes. Dr. McKnight had worked as a young man at the Palace Theater in the 1940s where he developed his lifelong love for big band music. He also served on the Civil Defense. He was also an assistant coach for 10 years with Holy Cross Grade School, and was a past member of the Optimist Club.

He approached all these interests with enthusiasm, dedication, his wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was a past member of St. Stanislaus Church, and was a current member of Sacred Heart Parish. Friends and family will gather from 4 to 7 p.m. today, July 12, in Morning Star Funeral and Cremations, 21275 W. Cleveland Road, South Bend, with a remembrance service at 6 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held at 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 18, in the log chapel on the University of Notre Dame campus. Memorial contributions in Walter's name would be welcomed by his and his family's favorite charities: Boys and Girls Town of Boys Town, Nebraska, Pet Refuge of Mishawaka, and Hospice of St. Joseph County, which provided excellent and loving care for him and his family during his last illness.

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and FindAGrave.com

09/05/2024 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176314004/walter-henry-mcknight