Gerald Knapp

Gerald F. Knapp, age 87, of Bloomington, died on Friday, July 16, 2010, at his home in Bloomington. He was born on March 28, 1923, in Beetown Township, the son of Miner and Helen Knapp. He graduated from  Bloomington High School with numerous awards. On June 17, 1947, Gerald was united in marriage to Evelyn Skip Schleicher at the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. After their marriage, they farmed on the Knapp Century Farm in Beetown Township. Gerald served on the Bloomington School Board, the Blakes Prairie Fair Board and Grant County Farm Bureau. He was the President of Farmers Telephone Company for many years, helped organize and develop Bloomington Farmers Co-op and Nova Directories. Gerald also served as the Chairman of Beetown Township. He enjoyed sports, playing cards, and dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Skip Knapp, Bloomington; two sons: James Jim (Donna) Knapp and John (Betty) Knapp, both of Bloomington; six daughters: Sandra (Mike) Kabele, Lancaster; Vicki (Howard) Sanborn, Lancaster; Debra Debbie (Mark) Bierman, Bloomington; Cherie (Mike) Mozuch, Oregon; Bonnie (Tom) Gross, Reedsburg; and Kristine (Bill Blatterman) Arsenault, Madison; son-in-law, Dan Nies, Patch Grove; 26 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Ronan and Virginia Ward, both of Bloomington; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca L. Nies and two brother-in-laws: James Ronan and Earl Ward.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 19, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington. Burial was in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township. According to Geralds wishes, there was no visitation. In lieu of plants and flowers a Gerald F. Knapp memorial fund has been established. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.