Joseph Gerard "Joe" Knoop

1968 - 2024

Joseph Gerard "Joe" Knoop

Sept. 5, 1968 - March 24, 2024

OAK GROVE, MN - Joseph Gerard "Joe" Knoop, age 55, of Oak Grove, MN, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a warrior who never complained and maintained a can-do attitude throughout his incredible five year fight against cancer.

Joe was born September 5, 1968, in Baraboo, WI, the son of Harlan and Jolene (Traxler) Knoop. A 1986 graduate of Baraboo High School, Joe joined the U.S. Air Force, and he served nearly nine years in posts across the U.S. and Asia. It was during his time with the USAF that he earned his Certification as an Electrician.

Before his honorable discharge from the military, Joe reconnected with his high-school sweetheart, Lizabeth "Libby" Playman. They were married on May 6, 1995. They settled in the Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo area, where they welcomed their two children, Jonah and Lauren.

In 2003, Joe was recruited by a Minneapolis company to join its Electrical Estimating Division as an MEP Engineer. He later joined Hunt Electric, where he spent the past 10 years, most recently as the Chief Estimator. Joe loved his company, co-workers, and job almost as much as he loved his family.

Joe loved big, laughed big, and was always looking for an opportunity to show his goofy side. A true prankster, he mastered the art of rubber-band shooting. Getting a rubber band shot your way from across the room was truly a badge of honor. He also loved to playfully engage in a story, share a joke or two, make a goofy face, or don some sort of outrageous costume to make people smile.

As a teenager, Joe learned to cook at Mr. Pancake Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells, and cooking became a lifelong passion. He loved to explore new recipes or fire up the grill to impress his family and friends with his culinary skills. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, music, and chatting (or singing) with friends over his favorite beverage.

Joe will be deeply missed by his parents, Harley (Mary) Knoop and Jolene (Bill) Crowley; wife Libby; children: Jonah and Lauren Knoop; brothers: Tom (Liz) and Mike (Lisa) Knoop; sister, Teri (Lonnie) Roth; grandson, Jonah Knoop, Jr.; nieces: Emily (Jeremy) Olson, Lucy Kimball; nephews: Charles Knoop and Jimmy (Vicki) Kimball; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Essie Knoop and Eugene and Josie Traxler; brother, James Knoop; and in-laws, Robert and Betty Playman.

Friends may visit on Saturday, April 6, 2024, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo, WI. There will be brief blessing and prayer service at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Garrett Kau presiding. Following the service, Military Honors will be provided by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard at the funeral home.

The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.