Carl Jerome "Jerry" Knapp

Obituary
Carl "Jerry" Knapp went peacefully to be with his Lord on September 15, 2023, with his loving and faithful wife, Constance "Connie" Knapp, by his side. He was 87.
Originally born in Illinois on January 29, 1936, Jerry and his siblings were raised in Alabama before moving to Michigan when he was a teenager. Jerry was a generous man, husband, father and Papa who put his heart into everything that was important to him.
Jerry owned and operated many successful businesses throughout his life. He bought and ran Rutherford's Standard Oil Station in Mount Clemens, Michigan before turning it over to his sons, John and Jerry Knapp, just prior to making his home in Lake City, Michigan. Jerry and his wife, Connie, bought and operated a wonderful resort on Lake Missaukee called Knapp's Green Knoll Resort. Afterwards, Jerry became a bus driver for Lake City Schools, then Transportation Supervisor for Lake City. During this time, he built, owned, and operated AJ's Dugout for three years and then built, owned, and operated CJ's Ice Cream Shop with his wife, Connie. This led him to partial retirement from business while he continued at Lake City Schools to work ground maintenance until full retirement at age 66. At that time, he and his wife moved to Cadillac, Michigan, where they established their final earthly home together.
Jerry loved fishing and hunting in Northern Michigan with his son, John. He also enjoyed taking multiple family vacations to Sarasota, where his son, Jerry and family, lived. He also enjoyed taking long drives all over Michigan with his wife, Connie. In his younger years, family boat outings were one of his favorite things, which his daughter, Terry Lynn, enjoyed and remembers fondly.
Jerry is survived by his beautiful wife of 67 years, Connie Knapp, of Cadillac, and their three children, John (Susan) Knapp, Terry Knapp-Kennedy, both of Cadillac, and Jerry (Monica) Knapp of Port Charlotte, Florida. He was a devoted Papa to his grandchildren, Sean (Terry and Bob), Savannah (Jerry and Karen), Shelby (Terry and Bob), and Trevor and Emily (John and Susan), and they were the light of his life. He was so very proud of them. He is also survived by his three perfect great-grandchildren, Cole (Shelby), Harper (Savannah), and Clayton (Shelby). Jerry is also survived by two sisters, who he was blessed to speak with often, Ann Tull of Shelby Township, Michigan and Jo (Russell) Ruprecht of Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Jerry was a true "jack of all trades" who could build or fix just about anything. He was a great story teller and enjoyed reading Western books. He also enjoyed watching the Tigers and Lions games and was a lover of all things outdoors. He will be deeply missed and always loved by his wife and family. Per his wishes, there will not be a formal funeral, but an intimate family gathering held in celebration of his well-lived life. Prayers for his wife, Connie, and family would be appreciated.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Ann Catholic Church, in Jerry's memory.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.
The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.