Lucien Kniskern

North Harpersfield (Delaware County)- Lucien E. "Luke" Kniskern, 72, of Austin Road, died Friday, December 24, 2010 at his residence after a brief illness.

Luke was born March 24, 1938 in the Town of Middlefield, and was the son of Joseph H. and Clarissa (Roberts) Kniskern.

He was a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Harpersfield Highway Department for many years until his retirement.

Luke was a member of the Harpersfield United Methodist Church and was a former board member of the North Harpersfield Community Hall.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and also enjoyed square dancing.

He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Luke is survived by his wife, Betty (Roe) Kniskern, of N. Harpersfield, whom he married on March 26, 1960; a daughter, Joanne (Lester) Chase of N. Harpersfield, NY; a grandson, Daryl J. Van Steenburg of N. Harpersfield, NY; two brothers, Ralph Kniskern of Schenevus, NY and Douglas Kniskern of Dorloo, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY. Co-officiating will be Rev. Dottie Morris of Harpersfield United Methodist Church and Rev. Elliott Oakes of Prattsville United Methodist Church. Family and friends are also invited for a period of visitation on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 6 - 8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery in Jefferson, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Harpersfield Community Hall, Delaware County Route 29, Jefferson, NY 12093 or Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.