Rose Knapper

Knapper, Rose Marie Kalamazoo Rose Marie (Schuur) Knapper, age 93, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 14, 2020. She was born on March 25, 1927, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and her parents were Raymond and Marcine (Marthen) Schuur. Rose worked at Walgreens where she met John T. Byington and they were married in 1943. Their daughter, Sandra, was born the same year. John was deployed to fight in World War II, and was tragically killed in action in 1944. Rose then attended Beauty College, and met her husband-to-be, William J. Knapper, a decorated combat soldier who was wounded in service to his country. The two decided to elope with another couple and were married in Indiana. They lived many happy years together until his death in 1991, and he was the most doting father to Sandra. They had two more children, William and Robert, who kept their house a lively place to be! Rose was a wonderful mother, and loved to reminisce about all the neighborhood children and their activities. She kept track of how everyone was doing and was the most caring friend to everyone who knew her. There were also many enjoyable summers spent at Sam's Landing on Gun Lake, with fun family times and pontoon rides on the lake with the kids and grandkids. Rose went on to become a nurses' aide at Laurels of Galesburg, retiring after 25 years of loving and caring for her patients. She was dedicated to her work with the patients, and even became snowed in on one occasion, having to wait for other staff to arrive by snowmobile. After retirement, Rose enjoyed her family, and delighted in having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren fill up her life with joy and laughter. She loved being with family and making special gifts for them, like crocheted stuffed animals and afghans. Rose's love and dedication to her family continued throughout her life, and she found such joy in sharing the news on how everyone was doing. She also had the most delightful sense of humor, bringing easy laughter and enjoyment to everyone fortunate enough to be in her life. Her kind and caring heart will be very much missed by all her loved ones. Rose was pre-deceased by her parents, both husbands, sister Agnes (Jim) Sanders, son Robert, and granddaughter Jennifer (Jeremy) Baker. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Ellery) Mann and son Bill (Mary Anderson), and grandchildren, Darcy Mann, Dawn (Chris) Garrett, David Mann, Mindy (Wayne) Julien, and Marie (Travis) Law. She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009, on December 22, 2020. The family would like to thank Rose's caregivers, Lisa, Paige, and Kim for the special care given to our mother and grandmother over the past years. Also, our appreciation to Grace Hospice for their kindness and comfort. Please visit Rose's personalized webpage at www.langelands.com