Harold Knapp

Harold M. Knapp was born April 8th 1929, the son of the late Rudolph and Viola (Hase) Knapp, in Oshkosh, WI. On September 16, 1950, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lois Rasmussen. They enjoyed almost 63 years together, raising their family and making memories.

In February 1951, Harold was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War. He was deployed to Germany with the 7th Army Division and achieved the rank of Private First Class. Harold's training included welding and he was certified in heavy automotive maintenance. After being honorably discharged, Harold returned to Wausau and began his carpentry career, which included working at Wausau Homes for over 25 years. Harold would have received his 25 year pin in February, as a member of the V.F.W. Burns Post, No. 388.

Family was most important to Harold; he was a good husband, a great father to his daughters, and especially treasured each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The precious values he taught to his family have become Harold's legacy. The fishing trips to Canada with his buddies and charter fishing with his grandsons were among his most treasured memories. He enjoyed getting away to work in his woods and was the lead man on the Wausau Curling Club. For many years, Harold dedicated his time to maintaining the E.H. Bertermann Memorial Chapel, in Rib Mountain.

On Friday, January 25th 2013, Harold M. Knapp died at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, with his beloved wife by his side.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lois; three daughters, Pamela (Al) Schroeder, Debra (Rick) Kniess, and Carla (Steven) Marten; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three siblings, Clifford (Merceda) Knapp, Alice (Charles) Luedtke, and Wayne (Mary) Knapp; a brother-in-law, Robert Rasmussen; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

A celebration of Harold's life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 30th, at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church. Reverend Thomas Hoelter will officiate. Military honors, provided by the V.F.W. Burns Post, No. 388, will follow the service. Family will receive guests Tuesday, January 29th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again at church on Wednesday, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial donations are preferred to the American Heart Institute or the American Cancer Society.