Obituary
Susan “Sue” Knapp
Susan Kay Knapp, Age 72, passed away peacefully at her home in Ocala, Florida on February 14th, 2023 after a courageous 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Sue passed away holding her son’s hand, listening to her favorite song, “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, with dear friend, Donna, and her loyal cat, Neal, at her side.
Sue was born on November 22nd, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Robert and Delores (Schroeder) Knapp. She graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac. Fiercely independent and hardworking, she worked her way through college without child support and graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in social work. Sue worked for the State of Wisconsin for nearly 40 years, beginning with Job Service and most recently in the Department of Corrections as a probation/parole agent and institution social worker. In addition to her career, Sue almost always had at least one part-time job to provide the best possible life for her children.
Sue was a deeply devoted, loving and compassionate mother, friend, and grandmother. There was nothing wouldn’t do for friends, family, or even complete strangers. It was common practice for her to carry a bottle of water and restaurant gift cards to give to homeless she may encounter. She aided many friends and family though long-term illnesses, often using much of her vacation time to assist. Sue was always there as a parent and grandparent. She could be depended on for loving guidance and advice, even when it wasn’t received very well at the time. As her children grew older and lived in different parts of the country, Sue did everything possible to be there for them. Sue acquired “bonus grandchildren” along the way as well. Having game nights, attending soccer games, or just watching movies and having fun together.
Sue successfully took on many hobbies. A master gardener, Sue always maintained large beautiful flower beds at her homes and loved sharing her knowledge of gardening and giving away extra perennial flowers to anyone who wanted them. A talented baker, Sue would make large batches of baked goods and distribute them to friends and neighbors. Always passionate about different arts and crafts, Sue devoted a great deal of time after retirement to painting with acrylics. Her beautiful landscapes and wildlife were in high demand amongst family and friends.
Sue had an adventurous spirit that would lead her to kayaking the spring fed rivers and coastlines of Florida. She was always up for trips to the beach or the beautiful state parks in her area. Myakka River State Park and Silver Springs State Park were her favorites. Sue also enjoyed traveling. Most recently she had taken trips to Key West and New Orleans for Mardi Gras and was making plans to visit, Africa, Europe, and Alaska.
She was a warrior throughout her battle with cancer, undergoing whipple surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. She selflessly continued to worry and try to help others while fighting her own battle. She was an inspiration to neighbors, friends, and medical staff with her daily walks with her walking stick as they were the buzz of the neighborhood.
Sue will be dearly missed by many for her humor and quick wit, along with her kind, caring, and compassionate soul. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Real, son, Ryan Disterhaft, brothers Douglas Knapp and Charles (Donna) Knapp, grandson, Sam Real, bonus granddaughters, Leanna and Justine Peterzell, nieces Christa, Jenny, Andrea, and Michelle, nephews Brian, Taj, and Zoie, and cherished cats Neal and Mozzie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Delores. Brother Robert “Mike” Knapp and son, Raymond Knapp Zimmerman.
Celebrations of life will be held in two locations:
April 8th, 2023 at SpringHill Suites, 4100 SW 40th Street, Ocala, FL. Social hour with refreshments from noon to 1 with remarks and celebration of life to follow.
May 20th, 2023 at the Eagles Club, 515 N Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI. Social hour with refreshments from noon to 1 with remarks and celebration of life to follow.
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