Robert E. Knapp

 Robert E. Knapp, age 83, of Lancaster, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. He was born March 12, 1930 the son of Fred and Hattie (Pierce) Knapp.

Bob graduated from Lancaster High School in1948. He married Lorraine E. Adams on September 16, 1948. Bob enjoyed baseball in high school as a pitcher, and played softball for many years. He enjoyed watching all sports. Bob was very innovative in trying new techniques with modern equipment in his farming career. He was proud to be a steward of the land on the Knapp family farm. Later in life he took pride in his strawberry and pumpkin patches. Bob would try to make a daily visit to MAs Bakery in Bloomington to see his friends, play cards or go to the boat.

Surviving is his wife Lorraine; their children: David; Cindy (Robert) Quick; Richard; Sue (Dan) Thole; Fred (Deb); Dennis (Annette); Lynn; and Ed (Mary) Knapp; twenty five grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren, Angie, Rebecca and Adam Knapp, two sisters, Kathryn (Firmin) Schildgen, Doris (Claude) Schmieder, and his brother, Charles (Laura) Knapp.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 16, 2013, at 10:30 am at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Fr. John Meinholz officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called on Thursday, August 15, 2013, from 4 pm to 8 pm and on Friday from 9:30 until time of services at the church. The Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Robert E. Bob Knapp memorial fund has been established.