Walter J. Kniola, age 63 of Valparaiso, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in Valparaiso.  

He was born on October 31, 1945 in Chesterton, the son of Walter S. and Anna M. (Martin) Kniola, both of whom preceded him in death.  

He was married to Sharon Fleming, who survives in Valparaiso.  

Walter is also survived by his children, Mathew J. Kniola of Valparaiso, Michelle (Phil) Rust of Fort Collins, Colo., and Crystal (Lane) Bonner of Valparaiso; grandchildren, Sarah Ashcraft, Violet Kniola, Quest Kniola and Lillian Bonner; brothers, Paul (Vanessa) Kniola of Chesterton, Ronald Kniola of Valparaiso, and David Kniola of Alabama.  

Walter was an area resident for 33 years and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and the church choir.  He was active in the Portage Community Theater and was a former member of the NRA. Walter worked as a Special Equipment Mechanic for NIPSCO and was the owner of Digiton Arts.  

A Mass of Christian Burial, Father Douglas Mayor officiating, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Valparaiso. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.  

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, February 20, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage. 

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  www.EE-FH.com

Posted 2/18/2009