Elmer F. Knapp Obituary (1914 - 2018)

Elmer F. Knapp, age 104, died peacefully Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Heartland Health Care Center in Henry, Ill. Elmer was born March 3, 1914, to Henry A. Knapp, Jr. and Rosa (Smithgall) Knapp in Deer Creek, Ill. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Holmes Aug. 15, 1942, in Alta, Ill., and they moved to Magnolia, Ill., in 1945. She preceded him in death on July 2, 2012. A lifelong farmer, Elmer raised beef cattle, hogs and row crops. He was known for his innovative and progressive farming practices and strong business acumen, such as: switching from horses to tractors earlier than others, traveling cross-country to purchase specific feeder calves, and building the area's first grain bins. He and his wife also worked at Caterpillar in East Peoria during WWII. Elmer was the proud patriarch of his family and a pillar of the community. Through his quiet and thoughtful manner, he instilled strong values in those around him. He was president of the Magnolia-Swaney Grade School board, master of the Magnolia Grange, elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Henry, and was an active member of the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau as well as other committees and organizations. Elmer was an avid Cubs fan, often recounting the story about his first trip to Wrigley Field to see the team play in 1924. He was 10 at the time, and the stadium was also 10 years old. Elmer will be missed most for his kind and positive nature. He made everyone around him feel welcome and appreciated. Surviving are his two sons, Ken (Susan) of Magnolia and Gary (Jane) of Putnam; grandchildren, Kevin (Sarah) of Magnolia, David of Henry, and Katie of Minneapolis, Minn.; and great grandchildren, Madison and Molly of Magnolia. His wife, Betty (b. 1921- d. 2012); brother, Arch; and two sisters, Lucille Knapp and Wilma Woerner, preceded Elmer in death. Visitation will be Thursday May 31, 2018 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, at the First Presbyterian Church of Henry. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 Noon. The Rev. James Friedmeyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Henry Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church, Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Foundation, Marshall-Putnam 4-H Foundation, Illinois CancerCare Foundation or the donor's choice. Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is in charge of arrangements.