Otto Craig Knop, 60, commended his soul to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 16, 2018. Otto was a true soldier for Christ and displayed this in his everyday life. He never met a stranger and an encounter with Otto was not soon to be forgotten.
Otto met the love of his life, Karen Jaggers in 1983 and was married 1984. Their 33rd anniversary was celebrated in November 2017. He is survived by his wife Karen, his two daughters Erika Minielly (Kenny) and Kristi Stewart (Andrew). Otto was the son of the late Otto F. Knop and is also survived by his mother Carolyn Hubbuch Knop and seven siblings; Cara Boone (Richard), Brian Knop (Ellen), Kurt Knop (Crae), Donna Long (David), Caroline Knop (Michael), Tamara Demuth (Tommy), and Eric Knop (Marlene) and his many beloved nieces and nephews and other family members.
Athletics were a constant throughout his life and he was an accomplished athlete in several sports. He set several state swim records in his youth while swimming at Plantation Country Club and teaching young children to swim was one of his passions. Otto was an all-state linebacker at Ballard High School and was the KY state shot put champion his senior year. He continued his playing career at the University of Louisville where his father was an All-American performer and he had the chance to play college football with two of his brothers. Otto coached numerous sports teams at various Catholic schools, including ones that often included his daughters. In his professional life, he was the consummate salesman and was a co-owner of Innovative Labeling Solutions of Cincinnati.
Otto kept his priorities straight - his Catholic faith, his family, his country, and having fun. Of all his achievements, Otto would be most proud of his success as a father and as a husband. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Margaret Mary, where he was a mainstay in the kitchen for church picnics and gatherings. His UL tailgates were legendary often serving as many as 300 people; especially enjoying frying fish that he had caught on family vacations. Otto could turn any event into a party. A dull father-daughter dance would instantly be transformed into a raucous event, with everyone dancing to Otto belting out his own special rendition of Baba O'Riley from the Who.
Another passion of Otto's was the farm his family co-owned, where he taught hundreds of children how to fish. He truly derived more satisfaction from teaching others to fish; as opposed to catching fish himself. Otto had extreme patience with children and was willing to share this resource freely with anyone. He acquired the nickname of Simon Kenton for his exploration adventures on the farm.
Otto was stricken with cancer just six weeks ago and fought the brave fight. His final wish was to see his second daughter get married. He achieved that goal on Wednesday March 14, 2018, when his daughter Kristi was married on the Hosparus unit of Norton Healthcare Pavilion. He kept his promise to his daughter and was able to sing with the family, one last time. Otto, who was frequently described as being larger than life, will continue to be just that, as his spirit will live on in his family and friends forever. He lived life to the fullest and had no regrets.
Thanks to Norton Hospitals and Hosparus for their support during Otto’s journey.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 7813 Shelbyville Road with burial to follow at Cave Hill. Visitation will be held Monday 4-8 pm and Tuesday 12 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 7pm at Arch L. Heady & Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy are requested to Hosparus of Louisville, or to The Catholic Education Foundation.
