Steven R. Knapp

Steven Robert Knapp passed away February 8th, 2026, at the age of 66 -- his life cut short by a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s.

Steve was born February 6, 1960 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Vaughn and Joyce Knapp, and lived in that area of Minnesota for a short time. He then spent a year in Missouri before the family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended nearby Indiana University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in Business Administration. Pittsburgh is also where, on May 26, 1984, he married his late wife, Barbara. Steve and Barb then lived for a brief time in Ohio and Colorado before finally landing in Lino Lakes, Minnesota where they raised their family: son, Jeff and daughter, Michelle. 

Steve enjoyed running, competing in several triathlons and marathons as a young adult. He enjoyed vacationing at the family cabin in Ely, MN and nearby Lake Vermillion – many great memories as a family originated in the beautiful north woods of Minnesota. He was active at his church, First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity, endeavoring to provide a sense of community and hope to others; and had a big heart and passion for supporting youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Much of his storied professional career was served in a leadership capacity at Fiserv, a prominent company in the financial services and technology industry.

As a son and brother, he was a source of pride, adventure and warmth. As an uncle, he was a source of fun times and happy memories. As a father, he was a source of guidance, poise, comfort and admiration. His children will forever remember the life lessons he taught, not only around the dinner table, but as evidenced through daily action. As a husband, he was a holdfast, a confidant, a friend.

Though his illness seemingly ripped away pieces of his being, the legacy of stoicism, love, dedication, and companionship that defined his life lives on. He faced every chapter - even the hardest ones - with quiet resilience, a steady heart, and a devotion to his family. The impact of his presence endures in every story told, every smile shared, and in every memory shaped by his life and his love.

No longer burdened by the tribulations of this terrible disease, may he now rest in peace…

Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Barb Knapp. He is survived by son Jeff Knapp (Ashley); grandchildren Olivia and Thea; daughter Michelle Knapp (Nolan Bailey); parents Vaughn and Joyce Knapp; and sister Sara Hunt (Douglas).

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, February 20 at First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake, 4821 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations providing support and resources to those individuals and families battling a dementia diagnosis, and/or to organizations furthering dementia research in the search for a cure.

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