Edmond Knappe

Generous, kind, and loving Edmond Knappe lived a full life rich in family, his career and service to others. With natural benevolence, Ed was a devoted father and care provider who enjoyed spending time with his family and helping others with needs. Confident and engaging, without being arrogant or boisterous, Ed's zest for life will be missed. Though the world is surely duller without Ed’s bright flame, the memories of his infectious laughter and gracious spirit will forever touch, move and inspire all who were blessed to share Life’s journey with him.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was their more hope than in the Detroit home of Edmond F. and Mathilda A.(Snyder) Knappe as they welcomed the first of their three sons, Edmond Jr., into their hearts and home on October 10, 1933.

From the start, Ed’s life was firmly built on a foundation of family love, hard work, and humility. Born on the kitchen table of the family home, Ed began his life infused by the nourishing warmth of a loving family. Regardless of the financial constraints of the times, Ed’s mother’s resourcefulness assured that he and his younger brothers, Bob and Don, were always fed and knew without a doubt that they were loved. The home was rich in faith and music. Favorite songs of the times played in the background of the family’s day to day doings, and all the boys took accordion lessons. It was a common sight to see the three brothers proudly carrying their accordions down the street together.

Ed learned the value of hard work through his family chores; filling the stove with oil, tending to the garden, and cleaning the chicken coop became routine and helped build a firm foundation upon which Ed built his lifelong work ethic. To help the family, Ed also worked odd jobs as a youth. Not only did he have a newspaper route, he collected scrap metal, stocked shelves at a local business, and he and his brothers played in a band at parties.

Play was also an important facet of Ed’s youth. Many summer days were spent at the local swimming hole with friends, riding his balloon tire bike and playing hide and seek and kick the can. Ed continued to explore his faith at the local Baptist church through Sunday School attendance and Vacation Bible school. The 4th of July parade in Roseville was always a favorite. Winters were filled with epic snowball fights and sledding.

While Ed was still young, his father became very ill with tuberculosis and diabetes. Over the ten years he was bedridden, Ed learned first hand the powerful impact of people’s kindness as friends and family generously offered their support. Ed also fondly remembered playing checkers with his dad during these years.

After graduating from Roseville High School in 1951, Ed attended Michigan State University where he majored in business and played the trombone in the school’s marching band. One of his greatest thrills during his schooling was playing with the band in the 1954 and ‘56 Rose Bowl games. Ed also spent time in the Army Reserves where he trained as a sharpshooter.

While attending college Ed was introduced to Shirley Lindow by a mutual friend. The two began dating and eventually married on June 15, 1957.

After graduating from MSU, Ed found work at Eaton Corporation where he worked for about ten years. During these years, Ed and Shirley experienced the joy of growing their family with the births of their two sons, Edmond III and Richard, and the adoption of Shari. During these early years, the family moved several times for Ed’s job. Ready to make their home in one place, the couple settled in Rochester, MI where Ed found work at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. During his time working in purchasing for the hospital, Ed pioneered the start of several programs, including the Shared Services Division where products were purchased in bulk for cost savings and distributed to smaller hospitals. He also started a floral shop at the hospital. One of his greatest challenges and accomplishments was the travel agency he started that among other things, developed ways for people too sick to normally go on cruises to get to do just that. With undaunting persistence and his inspiring commitment to help others, Ed found a way to make this happen.

Without a doubt, Ed’s greatest joy was his family. He was a wonderful provider for his family, and he thoroughly relished in each moment he spent with his children. The family fondly remembers Ed’s routine of returning from work, watching the news, eating dinner as a family, doing gardening and then gathering around the television before bedtime. They also have many great memories of week long summer vacations at Mullet Lake or Port Austin where they spent time with Shirley’s siblings and their families. Many good times were spent in the family pool and enjoying a tasty BBQ in the backyard. The home was a hub of entertaining and family activities. Under Ed and Shirley’s loving touch the home transformed each year into a Christmas celebration with numerous decorations both indoors and out.

Ed’s generosity was also evident in the way he included others in the things he loved. For years he attended most of MSU’s football games, often taking different family members with him and hosting tailgate parties. Ed found each of his kids and other relatives summer employment at Beaumont Hospital, and he and Shirley loved to dance; the two even cut a rug in the Red Stocking Revue and the Hix & Chics square dance club.

Life was not always kind, and Ed had his challenges. After nearly 26 years of marriage, Ed and Shirley divorced. During the difficult years of change that followed, Ed found solace and comfort in the companionship of his cats and helping others. Even after retirement, Ed continued to offer his skills and generosity to others often lending his ideas and simply spending time with those in need of good company.

When not working, Ed loved to read and watch movies. Ed loved anything to do with history and was fascinated by stories of war, particularly the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln. An avid reader, Ed could often be found growing his learning with a good book in hand and, in his later years, his ipad.

Eight years ago Ed embraced another significant change and moved in with his daughter and son-in-law. In the company of his family, Ed gained a new vibrancy. He improved physically, mentally, and spiritually. His wonderful sense of humor returned with robust enthusiasm, and his laughter often rang out with welcome infectiousness to the hearts of those around him. Sundays were often spent attending church with Rick and Kathy and their family. Ed was fascinated by the internet and was thrilled when Charles taught him how to stream his favorite music through Pandora on his iPad. Although hard of hearing, Ed continued to find enjoyment in his music, Fox News, and radio talk shows.

Two years ago, Ed moved to South Carolina with Shari and Charles’ family. Ed was excited to have the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place so late in life. He loved to sit outside in the sun, take short walks and as in his earlier days, he never turned down the chance to go for a boat ride.

Clearly, the absence of Ed’s steadfast kindness and spirit is an indescribable missing. May it afford deep comfort to know that Ed has been lovingly welcomed by Jesus into his Heavenly home and that with each song we enjoy, kindness extended to another, and moment shared with loved ones, we are living Ed’s magnificent and inspiring legacy.

Knappe, Jr., Edmond F. formerly of Clarkston/Rochester, MI; went home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2017, at his daughter's home in Bluffton, SC, where he resided. Ed was born on October 10, 1933, to Edmond F. Knappe, Sr. and Mathilda A. Knappe. He is survived by his three children; Edmond F. Knappe III (Stephanie), Richard L. Knappe (Kathryn) and Shari L. Kennedy (Charles); grandchildren Elizabeth (Josh), Greggory, Garrett, Deanna and Steven Knappe, Erika and Taylor Kennedy and Anna and Laura Marchese. Ed leaves behind a brother (Donald) and a sister-in-law (Cheryl). A memorial service celebrating Ed's life will be held on October 7, 2017, at 11 a.m., visitation at 10 a.m.and a luncheon to follow at Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI. Memorial contributions in Ed's honor can be made to Woodside Bible Church.