Charles William Knapp

Charles W. Knapp, age 83, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Charles was born on August 5, 1942 in Taylor, Michigan. He graduated from Taylor Center High School on June 16, 1960. He was drafted into the Army on January 3, 1964. He served in the Vietnam War as a communications specialist. He was awarded in recognition of his meritorious performance of duty for his role in the effort against Communism in the Republic of Vietnam. After serving Charles returned to Taylor, Michigan and worked to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree focusing on Meteorology at Eastern Michigan University. Instead of pursuing his weather forecasting passion he accepted a position at the Ford Motor Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.

Charles and his life long partner, and most recent spouse, Mark Hannon moved to the Upper Peninsula in 1999. They quickly adapted to country life and flourished here in the UP, creating a small hobby farm for their sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and of course squirrels and chipmunks. They loved to rescue cats and dogs from the local animal shelter and gave them much love and attention.

Charles and Mark were very active in their church families. Their faith was a priority in their lives. Both assisted in many building projects for their church. Mark also was an organist for several years. Both enjoyed singing gospel songs in the choir. They also came up with creative methods for spreading the Word of God to the children of the area, assisting in Bible School projects in the most unique theatricals, and playing and dressing to the role of mad scientists at their teaching station. They also volunteered their time and talents at the local school, reading with young children. Both assisted at the Senior Center in Rapid River distributing food and assisting in setting up for various functions at the Center. They were involved in many other community projects as well, too numerous to mention.

In their spare time, Mark and Chuck enjoyed camping, playing cards with friends, taking long rides, reading and working on the hobby farm. Charles especially loved his tractors, maintaining their residence, and listening and singing along with gospel songs. Mark enjoyed the arts, especially music, pottery, painting, and wood working in his basement. Mark was also a computer guru. This suited him well in his employment as CADD operator at Applied Science INC. until his retirement and move to the Upper Peninsula.

Charles and Mark were married after 44 years together at their home on November 15, 2025. The house was filled with friends and neighbors who wanted to share in this joyous occasion. This was a final wish for Mark, who had recently been diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor and was given very little hope for a long life. Sadly, Mark passed away only weeks after the marriage on December 2, 2025 under the care of OSF Hospice and Carrie, a special friend and his nurse. He was surrounded by the people who loved him.

Mark's passing was extremely difficult for Charles, he rapidly declined and was placed on OSF Hospice care on January 1, 2026. Charles valued the time he spent with the people he loved, Cindy, Mark, and Ethan Raspor, and Gerri Demeuse. He also enjoyed visits from his friend Gayle Zerk, caregiver Amanda Strom, as well as neighbors and friends from the community. The OSF Hospice team was wonderful and nurse Carrie brought a smile to our faces at every visit. So many people were involved in making Charles feel loved and comforted on his journey home to his Lord and Savior.

Charles was preceded in death by his spouse Mark Hannon, his mother, Alice Maske and father, Edward Knapp, his brothers John, Edward, and Ralph Knapp and sisters Patricia, Arbutus, and Rachel.

Graveside services and military rights will be conducted in the spring at Oakview Cemetery in the city of Royal Oak, Oakland County Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charles's and Mark's honor may be directed to Delta Animal Shelter.