Paul “Dutch” Kneller, 93, Columbia City, passed away at 2:38 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at his farm. Born April 27, 1922, in Whitley County, he was the son of Sherman LeRoy and Bertha (Lickey) Kneller.

Dutch has been a resident of Whitley County his entire life. He was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church. Dutch graduated from Washington Center High School with the Class of 1940. On Jan. 30, 1942, he married Marvene Smith at Jefferson Chapel Church. After being married he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the Infantry European Theater as a 1st Sgt. He received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal World War II and a Purple Heart after being wounded in France in 1944. Besides being a lifelong farmer, Dutch was a Conductor and worked for 42 years for the Pennsylvania Railroad and ConRail on both passenger trains and freight trains. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the American Legion, Post 98.

Survivors include his daughter: Pam Hitzeman, Columbia City; son: Doug (Sherree) Kneller, Holly, Mich.; grandchildren: Cameron Hitzeman; Erin Kneller; Kevin Kneller. He was preceded in death by parents: Sherman Kneller; Bertha Loe; wife: Marvene Kneller; infant daughter; Kay Marlene Kneller; brothers: Ray; George; Sherm Kneller; and sister: Clela Richard.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at the funeral home. Burial and military honors will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens.

Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.