Obituary of Ernest David Cnockaert

Ernest David Cnockaert, a faith-filled family man who raised his children in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., died Tuesday, Feb. 7. He was 92. After buying a home in the neighborhood in 1952, Mr. Cnockaert and his bride, the late Albina (Vlatkowski) Cnockaert, joined the parish family at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church where they became active in the Christian Family Movement. He also was active in the men's Holy Name Society at the church, as well as the Dad's Club at Detroit Austin High School. Mr. Cnockaert spent 30 years working at Bower Roller Bearing in Detroit before concluding his machinist career at General Electric Carboloy in Warren. After retiring, he worked on the side, repairing lawn mowers, furniture pieces, and miscellaneous items that his sisters would later sell at a flea market. Always a handyman, Mr. Cnockaert finished much of the work inside his home, which he bought from the builder after he and Albina, his fianc at the time, happened to drive by and see it under construction. The builder offered the young couple a tour of the unfinished structure, and they immediately knew it would be their home. After moving in, Mr. Cnockaert built the garage behind their house. He also put his handyman skills to work helping neighbors, or his children, with small projects. Of course, the projects at his sons' homes often doubled as a chance to dote on his grandchildren, or to spend time on the small, gentleman's farmstead in Lapeer where one of his sons lives. Born March 29, 1924, in Mount Clemens, Mich., to Kamiel Cnockaert and Marie Arscheene, he suffered from Polio at the age of 3. He was one of seven children born to the couple, who immigrated to Michigan from Belgium. He graduated from Detroit Denby High School in 1942. He and Albina Vlatkowski met at a family wedding, and were married on April 19, 1952. They were together for 55 years before her death in 2007. Mr. Cnockaert's young life was spent in Detroit, but his parents later bought a farm in the Michigan Thumb area, and eventually moved to a farm in Berville. He often took his own sons to grandma's and grandpa's, to work or play with the farm animals and also to learn to drive the tractor. He also spent a lot of time walking, and stopping to greet and converse with everyone in the neighborhood, including his mail delivery woman, Roxann, who called him the nicest man you'll ever meet. Mr. Cnockaert is survived by sons James (Christine), Thomas (Patty) and John (Patty), five granddaughters (Anne, Susan, Emily, Alison, Lindsey, Brandon and Chrissy) and one great-granddaughter (Clara). His youngest son, David, also preceded him in death. Mr. Cnockaert also is survived by a special companion, Tina Roberts, and her family, daughter Michelle (Kyle) Johnston and grandchildren (Owen, Sara and Ehli). A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Mack Avenue, in Saint Clair Shores, Mich. Memorials may be sent to the Rotary Polio Plus program. Donate online at www.rotary.org/en/donate, or by mail to: The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693. Please note that the donation is for Polio Plus.