Louie D. Knapp Jr. age 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 30 at his home in Forrest with his loving wife Carol at his side.
The family is planning a celebration of his life on Sunday, December 22, 2024 beginning at 1:30pm at the First Baptist Church, Fairbury Illinois with Pastor Brian King officiating. Following the celebration of life service, a food and fellowship open house will be held to remember Louie in the church fellowship hall from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
Cremation rights have been accorded, and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Forrest Illinois. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with the arrangements.
Louie was born in Burlington, Kansas on July 24, 1936 to Louie and Esther Knapp. He was the 8th of 11 children born.
He married Carol June Schrof on June 8, 1958 in Forrest, Illinois. She survives him along with their two children, Yoric (Mona) Knapp of Atlantis, Florida and Kristan (fiancé Michael Hill) of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida. His sister Monie Knapp Herman survives in Peoria Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters (Mary, Betty, Arlene, Marilyn), five brothers (Bill, Clarence, Duane,Ed, Bob).
Louie served in the Illinois National Guard where he was Company Commander at Pontiac, Illinois. He worked with wood from an early age, carving and building furniture. Later, he was a partner in a residential construction business, Bertram and Knapp. Louie and Carol operated Knapp Kitchens in Forrest Illinois and later in West Palm Beach, Florida for over 40 years. Louie concurrently operated Knapp Industrial Wood making wood pallets and later wood furniture parts until the age of 87.
Throughout his life, Louie was known for his generosity, having helped numerous people in need both locally and abroad. He was a man of strong ethics. He often yielded to the wishes of others, but could dig in when he felt strongly about something. He served his community in numerous capacities, and left a lasting legacy.
The family requests that any donations in Louie’s name be made to Prairielandsfoundation.org for Louie’s pet project, the train themed children’s playground to be built in the Forrest (railroad) depot park, or lifesong.org for orphans in Gridley, Illinois.
Louie had several favorite sayings, including; the five Ps – “prior planning prevents poor performance,” “keep it simple,” and finally “carry on”!
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