Walter Eugene Knisely

Walter “Gene” Eugene Knisely, 77, of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Aultman Hospital in Canton.Born December 3, 1926, in Columbus, he was the son of the late Walter Ralph and Esther Page Knisely. Gene’s mother accepted his diploma from New Philadelphia High School in 1945 while Gene was serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a corporal when he was discharged from his two-year service in 1946. He then went to junior college at Wentworth Military Academy and finished his formal education at Mount Union College. Gene spent the remainder of his life working on his family farm as the owner and operator of Knisely Hybrids Company in New Philadelphia.Gene devoted his time to worthy causes. He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling to historic sites while on family vacatons. A man of deep faith, his relationship with his creator was evident, yet held private to all but his closest family. Gene was a former member of the Schoenbrunn Moravian Church where he was the treasurer for numerous years and the New Philadelphia Rotary Club. He continued his membership with the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau throughout his lifetime.Gene is survived by his three children, Tim (Patty) Knisely, Peg (Doug) McIntire, and Ted (Cindi) Knisely, all of New Philadelphia; and four grandchildren, Holly Knisely, Kelly McIntire, Joey Knisely, and Alex Knisely, all of New Philadelphia.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved companion of 25 years, the late Cemela Reigle and an infant daughter, Michelle Rae Knisely.A service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 10th at 11:00 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael R. Seely officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, for a reception following the committal. Visitation will be held Tuesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.