William Vestrus Knapp

William Vestrus “Bill” Knapp, age 90, of Bloomington, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at his residence. Born March 6, 1935 in Bloomington, Indiana, he was the son of William Ralph and Mildred Pauline (Day) Knapp. Bill graduated from University High School and went to work for First National Bank of Bloomington in 1955 before moving to Saginaw, Michigan along with his family in 1969. He and Gordon Crimmins were hired to start a new bank, the First State Bank of Saginaw which was sold in 1978 to NBD Bancorp. NBD Bancorp in 1995 was merged with First Chicago Bank (later First Chicago NBD). In 1998 First Chicago NBD was merged with Bank One. Bill retired in December 1998 from banking and moved back to Bloomington in April in 1999. He served in the Indiana National Guard. Bill had been involved in coaching Little League Baseball and Boys Club Basketball while in Saginaw. He enjoyed keeping a well-manicured lawn, washing his car nearly every week-end and golfing. He had been a member of the Saginaw Country Club, where he served as head of the Board of Governors in 1982 and served on the board of directors of United Way in Saginaw from 1981-1996. He was also a member of the Germania Club. He currently was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #446 and the First Christian Church in Bloomington. Bill enjoyed his weekly coffee and dinners with his Bloomington friends.

Bill is survived by his two sons; Timothy W. (David Chambers) Knapp, of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Thomas H. (Debbie) Knapp, of Bloomington, his daughter, Tricia (Lance) Schroeder, of Saline, Michigan, one grandson, Jake Schroeder and one sister, Maivereen Bowlen; of Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann “Liz” (Hyde) Knapp on February 20, 2020.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Kyrmen Rea officiating. Friends may visit the family on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at later date at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington.

Donations in Bill's can be made to the Monroe County History Center at 202 E 6th St., Bloomington, Indiana, 47408, or to the Alzheimer's Association at 50 E 91st St Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association can also be made online at https://donorservices.alz.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com