Obituary: Knapp

Laura Mae (Knochel) Knapp, Fairbury, 93, born September 19, 1932, in Kawkawlin, Michigan, to the late Fred and Nettie (Wieland) Knochel, passed into the loving arms of her Savior on Tuesday, October 28th at Fairview Haven, Fairbury.

Laura married Glenn E. Knapp on November 11, 1956, in Bay City, Michigan.  They farmed in Cissna Park, Illinois, until 1963 when they moved to Forrest, and then shortly thereafter Fairbury, where they transitioned from farming to the insurance industry.  Glenn preceded Laura in death on April 5, 1994.

Laura is survived by her children, Kirby (Fairbury), Kanda (& Mark) Steffen (Gridley), Kennan and Kristi (of Morton) and Kaylene (& Mark) Butikofer (El Paso), two grandsons, Justin (& Danielle) Steffen, Kyler Knapp, seven granddaughters, Jennifer (& Matthew) Young, Lanae (& Gary) Yong, Whitney (& Andrew) Iaun, Sharnell (& Jarod) Fritz, Nicole (& Matthew) Gosling, Sydney (& Krystian) Glowacz and Janessa (& Aaron) Leman, and ten great grandchildren, Blake, Emma, Adyn and Ruby Steffen, Audrey, Titus, Bennett and Fisher Young, Tristen Stewart and Leo Gosling.  Laura is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Elinor Knochel and Johanna Knochel. 

Laura was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Natasha (Knapp) Stewart.  Laura was the tenth of eleven children and is also preceded in death by eight brothers, Harold, Alpha, Theodore, Norman, Floyd, Victor, Herbert and Fred II, and two sisters, Marie Schieler and Vinie Wackerle.  

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 1, at Apostolic Christian Church of Fairbury at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at South Apostolic Christian Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, October 31, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning at the church.  

Laura loved being a homemaker and supporting her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had an enduring faith in God, a strong work ethic, and it was a joy to cook for her family.  Laura also loved music, travel, reading and serving her community through baking and hospitality.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Fairview Haven who have provided Laura and her family with wonderful care over the past six years and OSF Hospice nurses who were so attentive to her needs during the past few days.  

Laura was a member of the Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family directs any memorials to Fairview Haven, Fairbury, or the Apostolic Christian LifePoints, Morton.