John E. Knapp

John was born Sept. 3, 1938, in rural Cass County. He was the youngest child of John Edwin Knapp Sr. and Luvena Burl Secoy Ratliff Knapp. At age 3, the family moved to Stuart after his father died. He graduated from Stuart High School in 1956 and attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa. He was especially proud that he lettered in football 3 times in high school and twice in college despite the fact that he never weighed over 150 pounds during his school days. He also lettered in baseball twice, both in high school and in college. John coached little league in Highland Park in 1961, then Beaverdale little league from 1970-1975.

John worked at Central National Bank in Des Moines, and then for Iowa Workforce Development for more than 31 years.

John trusted Christ as his Saviour on May 9th, 1979, at the age of 40. For the rest of his life, pointing others to Christ was a big priority to him. He was a member of Community Baptist Church of Ankeny.

Music was a huge part of John's life. He loved to sing. He had a music ministry of his own to nursing homes and different churches. John also provided sound systems to anyone who was in need of sound including soloists, quartets, choirs, concerts in the park, presidential candidates, schools, retreats, and many new churches. He traveled far and wide to help people praise the Lord in song and for preaching to be heard.

When he wasn't singing, John loved watching movies, the "chick flicks" being his favorite. He loved racing; from the slot car track in his garage to the NASCAR circuit. Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch were his guys. John was a people person and loved to talk and tell stories. No one was a stranger for long and he made sure of that. After retirement, his favorite pastime was having lunch at Wendy's or Burger King where he made new friends on a daily basis.

John is survived by Karla, his wife of 33 years. He is survived by his children John Jayne, Des Moines; Karla Morris (Ron), Des Moines; Angela Nelson (Dan), Marion; David Knapp, San Tan Valley, Ariz. ; and step-son Chad Edwards, Eugene, Ore.; nine grandchildren, one great-grandson; and sisters Helen Harvey, Bettendorf; LuVena Bennett (Howard), Redfield; and Rose Deo, Winterset. He was preceded in death by his brother Warren Ratliff.

A special thanks to Unity Point Hospice for their loving care and support. Memorial donations may be directed to Community Baptist Church or Unity Point Hospice.