Donald “Don” E Knapp, of Dowagiac

Published 9:27 am Wednesday, May 2, 2018

May 21, 1937 — April 27, 2018

Donald “Don” E Knapp, 80, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Cass County Medical Facility in Cassopolis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Jodi Cartwright officiating. Friends may visit with the family from noon until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to M-40 Hustlers or First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at clarkch.com.

Donald “Don” E Knapp

Don was born on May 21, 1937, to Paul and Helen (Townsend) Knapp in Dowagiac. He attended Dowagiac High School where he graduated in 1956. On July 18, 1959, he married the love his life, Jean Preston. He worked as a home manufacturer for Allied Homes in Dowagiac for over 28 years and for Mobile Facility in Cassopolis for over 30 years.

Don loved camping, he would often take his family to Michigan state parks to camp for the weekend. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing and biking, he enjoyed biking so much that he used to do long trips with his family, including biking across Michigan. Don was known as a handy man and could fix just about anything. He knew no stranger and everyone he met was like family. Most of all he loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his children, Michael E (Betty C.) Knapp of Dowagiac, Becky (Daniel) Peters of Dowagiac and David (Laura) Knapp of Niles; grandchildren, Brandon (Taylor) Knapp, Jacob Peters, Christian Knapp, Jared Peters and Matthew Knapp; sister Patty (Gerald) Preston of Dowagiac; special dog Reese and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jean; his parents; brother Charles Knapp and infant sister.