David Clifford Knopp

DAVID CLIFFORD KNOPP, 51, a longtime Albion resident, died Thursday, July 3, 2008, in the Emergency Room of Park-view Noble Hospital, Kendallville, after suffering from an apparent heart attack at his home. Mr. Knopp had lived in Albion for 20 years, coming from Fort Wayne. He was born on Feb. 4, 1957, to Clifford L. and Mary J. Shoemaker Knopp. Mr. Knopp was the Executive Director of the Noble County Community Foundation located in Ligonier; he had held this position since 2000. Prior to that, he worked full time for the Kendallville News Sun as a Journalist from 1985 to 2000. Mr. Knopp was also heavily involved in other community organizations such as; The Albion Lions Club, Community State Bank (CSB) Board of Directors, Cole Center Y.M.CA. in Kendallville, Merry Lea Environmental Board of Directors, Common Ground, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Lunch Buddy Program, P.U.LS.E of Noble County. (youth philanthropy) Friends of Burkina Faso and Central Noble School Cross Country Team as a Coach. Mr. Knopp also received his B.S. in Forestry and Agriculture Communications from Purdue University. He married Sarah Gagen on July 14, 1990, in Fort Wayne; she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Sage Knopp at home; one stepson, Michael McKinney of Fort Wayne; his mother, Mary J. Knopp of Fort Wayne; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lisa and Greg Johnson of New Haven and Barbara and Kelly Grogan of Littleton, Colo. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Knopp, in 1996. Cremation has taken place following Mr. Knopp's wishes. A Memorial Service will be held in Mr. Knopp's honor at the Central Noble Center Stage Auditorium, located at Central Noble High School at 3 p.m. Tuesday, with Rev. Mark Woods of the Burr Oak Baptist Church in rural Albion, and a dear friend of Dave's, officiating the service. Family will receive guests following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Noble County Community Foundation / P.U.L.S.E. Endowment Fund or a special college fund for Sage Knopp. A special account has been set up at Community State Bank CSB, 115 East Main Street, Albion, IN 46701. Arrangements by Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to brazzellfuneralhome.com or view the online video tribute after Tuesday.