W. Gunter Knittel of White Plains, Maryland, died at his residence on Friday, April 23, 2010. He was 71 years old.

Born and raised in Germany, Mr. Knittel was the son of the late Gretel Knittel and the late Walter Knittel. He served in the U. S. Army before being Honorably Discharged. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years and most recently worked for Brandywine Auto Parts. Mr. Knittel was a member of New Life Church in La Plata, MD. He enjoyed feeding birds and stray cats. He loved working in his yard and tinkering with old cars.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Knittel; his daughter, Erika Garza and her husband Chris; his two grandsons, Dylan and Austin Garza; his brothers, Gerold "Gerry" Knittel and Reiner "Ronnie" Knittel; also survived by other relatives and friends.

A gathering will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at New Life Church La Plata, Maryland from 10AM until time of the celebration of life service at 11AM. A time of fellowship will be held at the church immediately following the service. A private interment at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charles County, P. O. Box 1703, La Plata, Maryland 20646.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.