Donald Paul Knapp, Sr.

Donald Paul Knapp Sr., 80 of Charlevoix, formerly of Saginaw and Birch Run, Michigan passed away at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on November 17, 2020.

Son of Bernard and Loretta (Wines) Knapp, Donald was born on August 8, 1940 in Saginaw, Michigan. He grew up in Saginaw and attended Saginaw High.  He later attended Delta College. 

On June 27, 1970 he married Gretchen Gase at Bridgeport Community Church and had the marriage blessed at St. Peter and Paul’s in Saginaw, Michigan. 

Donald served in the Army and was proud of his service. 

Donald worked at US Graphite, and General Motors. He also owned his own painting company, was a bus driver and was a millwright by trade. 

Donald loved anything outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He liked all sports and loved watching his children and grandchildren play all types of sports. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Donald had a good sense of humor and was a great talker. Anyone that knew him knew he was generous and a hard worker.

Donald was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Birch Run and a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. 

Donald is survived by his wife Gretchen; children: Donald Jr. (Koral) Knapp, Heidi (Adam) Brege, and Michael Sr. (Ronda) Knapp; his grandchildren: Gabrielle Sexton, Donnie Knapp, Joseph Brege, Loretta Brege, Alice Knapp and Michael Jr. Knapp; his siblings: Rosemary Knapp, twin Dorothy Wilson, Daniel (Gretchen) Knapp; his aunt Jean Schnautz; and his many nieces and nephews. 

Donald is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Loretta Knapp; his brother-in-law Robert Wilson; his godson Bobby Wilson; and his nephew John Szabo. 

A funeral mass for Donald officiated by Father Dennis Stilwell will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey, Michigan November 21, 2020 at 10:30 AM, and a visitation will begin at 9:30 AM. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey. 

Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Donald are asked to please consider Brother Dan's Food Pantry.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc. 

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