Lyston Russell Knappenberger

WESTFIELD — Lyston Russell Knappenberger, 89, passed away at home on July 14, 2023. He was born March 23, 1934, in Russell, Pa., the son of Ruth and Rev. Harold Knappenberger Sr.

He was a graduate of Franklin High School, Franklin, Pa., Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, and Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

He married Marilyn Bassler Knappenberger on June 3, 1959, in Fulton, Md., and then they began their full-time ministry together in Waterford, Pa. During his active ministry, he served at Linthicum Chapel, Clarksville, Md., Linden Methodist Church, Dayton, Md., Asbury U.M. Church, Waterford, Pa., First United Methodist Church, Youngsville, Pa., First United Methodist Church, Irvine, Pa., Lakeside United Methodist Church, Mayville, N.Y., and the Mayville United Methodist Church, Mayville, N.Y., where he retired in 1997.

Lyston’s interests in retirement included dreaming about T-bone steaks, Perry Mason, completing several Great Courses, spending time at Cook Forest, the Civil War, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, big band music, church music, handbells and Lawrence Welk. He was a proud Ohio Wesleyan Grad, and member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, of 64 years, and their children: Kent (Nannette) Knappenberger, Lon (Kim), Knappenberger, Amber (Bryan) Brown all of Westfield; exchange student children Michael (Susanne) Haug (daughter Emilia) of Frankfurt, Germany, and Stefanie (Stephan) Werneke (son Tim) of Stuttgart, Germany; grandchildren: Cleverson, Cleiton, Robson, Carolina, Jackson, Marcio, Lucy, Amanda, Esther, Gabrielle, Emma, Noah, Elijah, Angelle, Lillian and Eliora; and several great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, and a brother, Harold Knappenberger Jr.

Those wishing to greet the family may do so Sunday, July 23, from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville, N.Y., and the funeral will be held at the Mayville United Methodist Church, Mayville, N.Y., at 11 a.m. on Monday July 24, with luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Mayville United Methodist Church (81 S. Erie St., Mayville, NY 14757) or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care (20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750).

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.