Norman Ardia Knapp

Norman (Norm) Ardia Knapp, 81, of Norton Shores, Michigan, passed away at Mercy Hospital on October 19, 2021. Norm was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 13, 1939. As a child, he enjoyed spending time with his cousin, Howard Knapp, on the family farm in Hart, Michigan, and camping with his parents at Hamlin Lake. Norm graduated from Muskegon Senior High School and earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College. On March 16, 1962, he married Karen Buitendorp at Unity Reformed Church. As a young husband and dad, Norm assisted with Teen Christian Endeavor at Unity Reformed Church, coached for the East Muskegon Little League, and acted as a Cub Scout Cubmaster. Spanning five children and almost twenty years, he was an active member of band parent organizations at Steele Junior High, Muskegon Senior High, and Fruitport High Schools. He spent many Friday nights working in the band concession stand in the tunnel of Hackley Stadium, and many Saturdays volunteering at and attending marching band/solo and ensemble competitions. Known by his coworkers as Stormin’ Norman, he retired from Shaw Walker/Knoll after forty-two years. During his entire life, Norm expressed his creativity through woodworking and other projects. He shared this passion with his children, all of whom knew how to measure-twice-and-cut-once and swing a hammer at a young age.

Norm is predeceased by his wife, Karen (Buitendorp) Knapp, and his parents, Myron (Mike) Knapp and Thelma (Sanford) Knapp, and his brother, Richard (Dick) Knapp.

He is survived by his five children: Joy (and Vince) Port of Norton Shores, Michigan, James (and Cara) Knapp of Jenison, Michigan, John Knapp of Grand Haven, Michigan, Jean (and William) Decker of Anderson, Indiana, and Jill (and Lonnie) Workman of Norton Shores, Michigan. Norm also had ten grandchildren: Joshua (and Corey) Knapp, Jessica Burns, Jenna Knapp, Ashley (and Rashelle) Port, Jacob Knapp, Justin Knapp, Jordan Knapp, Jaden Knapp, Tyler Workman, and Emalee Workman, and one great-grandchild, Conner Burns.

At a later date, there will be a small family gathering to celebrate Norm’s life.