Elden Ralph Knickerbocker Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Elden Ralph Knickerbocker Of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the age of 91. Elden was born in Michigan Center on December 28, 1925 the son of Elden L and Bernice (Prine) Knickerbocker. He attended Springport Schools but left school early to serve his country in the US Navy after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Elden was honored with an honorary diploma from Springport High School in 2005. He worked as a welder for FMC John Bean, for several years his duties were to extend stock truck frames for the development of firetrucks. Elden was a man of Christian faith; he devoted himself daily to reading the Bible. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved and enjoyed his family; especially his grandchildren, he passed his knowledge on to them as he shared his many talents and skills throughout the years. Elden is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley Knickerbocker; daughter, Peggy Knickerbocker, sons, Michael and Ted Knickerbocker and brother, George Knickerbocker. Surviving are his sons, Daniel Knickerbocker, Jim(Barb) Knickerbocker, Randy (Rose Anne) Knickerbocker; daughter, Kathleen Meoak, daughter-in-law, Toni Knickerbocker; 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margie Alder; brother-in-law, Bob Themer and numerous other extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Elden. For online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com