Joan Knapp

Joan Elizabeth Knapp, Kalamazoo, passed peacefully from this physical world at the age of 81 on April 25, 2015. She now re-embraces her husband Harold Ralph Knapp, a son Jeffrey, parents Joseph and Elizabeth Drasler and her brothers Joseph, Thomas and Richard.

A devoted wife, and mother to her children, where she instilled the values of integrity and honesty, she stressed a good Catholic education and gave her family a great sense of humor. Joan, together with her husband Harold, volunteered many years with St. Joseph School and Parish with events such as Bingo, Fish Dinners, shows and bazaars.

Along her journey in life she worked part time at Midwest Specialties Printing, supported her children in their scouting and sporting endeavors, and she and Harold enjoyed traveling and spending time in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

A lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, she endured through many, many long seasons, but did get to see them win a World Series in 2005. (Sorry kids and all of the Cubs fans!) She was also a season ticket holder to the Kalamazoo Wings Hockey Team for nearly 40 years and even traveled to many of their away games.

Joan leaves behind her Children: Mike (Dorothy) of Fair Oaks, CA, Jeannine (Larry) Hamilton of Mattawan, Gregory of Portage, Kenneth of Battle Creek, Richard (Dawn) of Paw Paw, Christopher (Missy) of Mattawan, along with a brother Herbert Drasler of Chandler, AZ, quite a number of fine, remarkable grandchildren and one great grandson.

Private Services for both Joan and Harold will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Joan’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and archive a favorite memory or photo. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that charitable donations be made to Hospice Care, Senior Services, or an Alzheimer's organization of personal choice.