Henry E. "Hank" Knoop

1947 - 2015

Henry "Hank" E. Knoop

Ionia, Michigan -- Henry "Hank" E. Knoop, age 67, loving husband, father, and pop pop, passed away peacefully from surgery complications on Monday, January 19, 2015.

He was born on April 9, 1947 in Portland, Mich. the son of Albert and Clara (Thelen) Knoop. Hank graduated from Pewamo-Westphalia High School in 1965 and in 1969 earned a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University. He worked for over 30 years in Ohio and Michigan as a chemical engineer and retired as a global director of safety. In his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed working as a substitute teacher, especially in the areas of math and science. He was active in his community his entire life. Hank volunteered with Indian Princesses, Boy Scouts, and taught PSR. He loved history and diligently volunteered with the Ionia County Historical Society, serving as treasurer and co-chairing numerous events and fundraisers. Hank was a fan of the power-nap, but the rest of the time he was always on the move. He loved running, camping, making maple syrup from the trees on his farm, puttering, playing with his beloved grandchildren, and entertaining friends and family with his lousy jokes and great stories. Hank treated everyone with respect and was at his best when he could help someone in need. Please share Hank's legacy of service with an extra act of kindness whenever you can.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Albert and Clara (Thelen) Knoop; sisters, Jane Knoop and Judy Fedewa; nephews, Herb Platte and Tim and Bruce Rowell; granddaughter, Josie Whitmore. Surviving are: his loving wife of 42 years, Doni; children, Brenda Knoop (Sean) Whitmore, Doug (Carrie) Knoop, Rachel Knoop (Tom) Brownridge, and Vicky Knoop; grandchildren, James, Robert, Victoria, Rebecca, Walter, Jack, Zoe and Bennett; siblings, Catherine (Ray) Rowell, and Ann Marie (Larry) Pung, Rita (Wayne) Thelen, John (Cyndi) Knoop and Dennis Knoop; brother-in-law, Ray Fedewa; many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ionia, with Rev. Thomas Boufford presiding. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Lehman Funeral Homes, 220 Rich Street, Ionia, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. A Rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ionia County Historical Society, or Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Capital Campaign, in memory of Hank. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.