Gerald "Jerry" Earl Knapp

Gerald "Jerry" Earl Knapp of Perrysburg passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born on May 22, 1935, in the heart of the Old West End of Toledo. Jerry, alongside his twin brother Garry, was the youngest of five siblings. Their upbringing during the Great Depression instilled in him a deep appreciation for everything he owned, a sentiment he carried throughout his life and passed on to his children. Jerry attended Scott High School, where his competitive spirit led him to excel in sports. Following his passion for service and adventure, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and bravely served his country during the Korean War. This marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to supporting his fellow veterans.

Working tirelessly throughout his life, Jerry's career journey began at Hertz and continued at B&F Medical Products, where he earned numerous sales awards. In his later years, he found purpose in helping veterans access the benefits they rightfully deserved while working for the Veteran's Administration in Toledo. Working with Veterans and the military was a passion for Jerry, and he gave generously with his time and talent. He served three times as the Commandant for The Marine Corps League, was involved with Young Marines, and served in the Ohio Military Reserve. Jerry was an artist at heart, finding joy in painting and drawing, creating a Marine Corps sanctuary in his basement adorned with memorabilia and artwork. OORAH! He also loved playing football, baseball, and tennis, watching the Irish score touchdowns, and listening to Ernie Harwell call the game. Outside of work and sports, Jerry's hobbies included assembling models, playing euchre, and nurturing his yard into a beautiful space. He was a man of service, whether it was to his country, family, fellow veterans, or anyone eager to learn a new sport or game.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Frank; along with two sisters, Patricia and Sally; and a brother, Sonny. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Sharlene; his twin brother, Garry (Sandy); and his four children, Lori (Zack), Lisa (Bob), Patrick (Kimberly), and Amanda (Eric). Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, with 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania on Monday, March 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service beginning immediately after. In honor of Jerry's life of Service, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Semper Fi & America's Fund in lieu of flowers, continuing his legacy of support for veterans and their families. Jerry's impact on his family, friends, and community will be remembered fondly, and his spirit of dedication and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. SFAF Link to Donate: https:/thefund.org/donate/ Other Ways to Donate to SFAF: https:/thefund.org/donate/ways-to-donate/ Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Blade on Mar. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Knapp

Sponsored by Reeb Funeral Home.

8 Entries

STEVE BAEHREN

March 18, 2024

Outstanding marine and friend..carry on cwo4 Steve baehren usmcr ret

Ryan Chipley

March 17, 2024

The Knapps were fantastic neighbors. I recall Jerry taking my brother and I to some of his military events. He will be tremendously missed. Praying for all the family.

Gary Allen Rood

March 17, 2024

Rest in peace fellow Marine

Patti and Glen Lentz

March 17, 2024

Sharlene and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jerry helped us so much by being there for Dustin and helping us navigate the VA system for him! We will miss him driving by and yelling "Semper Fi" or stopping by to chat. May all the happy memories and all the good work he did for veterans help you all through the difficult time ahead. Love Patti and Glen

Roxann Edgington

March 14, 2024

Jerry was the most wonderful neighbor to me! When I was going through hard times, he was there to help me with my lawn and other little things. I never asked anything of him but he always showed kindness towards me. I greatly appreciated our talks in the summer and enjoyed our pop cycles together on hot days. He loved my dog, Alice, taught her how to tricks and she loved him too as they would play often together. As a neighbor, Jerry will be missed greatly.

Todd Nosker

March 14, 2024

Heaven has received yet another Angel. This man was such a roll model for me and anyone in his presence. I´m so very blessed to have had him and his family in my life. While I was best friends with Patrick, Jerry introduced the Marine Corps to me. We made a wager that if I could graduate boot camp, he would give me his dress blues. Guess what? Those dress blues still look great hanging up in my closet! I was so worried about making him proud of me, I forgot how hard boot camp was. Truth is, he would have been just as proud no matter what u did in life. That´s just who he was. I just can´t fit into here enough gratitude I owe this man. Thanks for being you Mr. Knapp. Guard those gates till I get there. Here is a picture of me 30 years ago and what you shaped me into. Semper Fi!

Larry McCartney

March 13, 2024

My first meeting with Jerry was in the early 1970s, right after I left active duty and joined the Lou Diamond Detachment of the Marines Corps League, then meeting @ Churchill's Supermarkets in Sylvania. Jerry was a proud Marine who would do whatever he could to help anyone, particularly a veteran in need -- he was one (1) of a kind. Through the years Jerry and I did many things, not the least of which was the annual Toys for Tots program. Jerry embodied the ethos of the Marine Corps, service to God and country. I am a better man for him. May an all-knowing, all-loving, all-forgiving, all-powerful, all-merciful, God wrap him in his strong arms and hold him next to his tender breast for all eternity. Semper Fidelis!!!

David Kanavel

March 12, 2024

I was one of Jerry´s Young Marines and I will always remember him as a devoted and caring leader. He was as fine an example of a Marine as I ever knew. I haven´t seen him in well over 30 years but I have never forgotten his devotion to the Corps and to the Young Marines. The world is a better place because of him.

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