Charlene A. Knispel, 81, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Aug. 26, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1930, in St. Louis, MO., to Charles and Vida (Capps) Thotus. She was married to Lorin O. Knispel who preceded her in 1986.

Charlene was a Certified Indiana Assessor. She was a Distinguished Hoosier Award recipient and an Indiana Republican State Committee Person. She worked in Turkey Creek Township since 1972, and was the assessor for 22 years. Charlene served as secretary of the Republican Central Committee, Past President of the Indiana Assessor Association, Kosciusko County Auditor, as well as a precinct committee woman for 17 years and she was a two-term Kosciusko County Council member.

Charlene is survived by her two daughters: Pamela (Thomas) Mensch, Fort Wayne, Ind; Cynthia (Korde) Mortakis, Warsaw; two sons: Steven (Janet) Knispel, Warsaw; and David Knispel, Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Calling will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at the funeral home with calling 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Richard Dunning will officiate services. Interment will follow at the Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaman Home.