Henry "Hank" Knapper

Knapper, Henry "Hank" Of Kalamazoo Henry "Hank" Knapper, went home to be with his Lord on March 30, 2017 at the age of 91. Born on February 3, 1926, he was the son of the late Henry and Cora (Powers) Knapper. Loving husband of the late Josephine Ann (Bussema) Knapper of 66 years. He will be missed by his 4 children and their spouses, Carolyn, Curtis, David (Linda) and Mary Jo (Louis). He leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandson and many nieces/nephews. He is preceded in death by 3 sisters Alice Knapper, Cornelia Mejeur, Louise VanderKolk. Henry served during WW II in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater aboard the battleship U.S.S. Massachusetts, receiving multiple medals. He worked for Kalamazoo Label Company as a cylinder pressman helper. Henry worked for 38 years as a Production Machinist for Eaton Manufacturing. He was an avid bass and trout fisherman, and spent many days at his favorite place, Mentha Creek. Hank's pride and joy was his vegetable garden in which he shared with everyone. Henry became renowned in Kalamazoo as the "rhubarb man." He sold his home grown rhubarb at a street-side stand with an honor system cash box in front of his home. Best rhubarb in Kalamazoo. Hank was a member of Centerpoint Church and a mentor for Kids Hope. Visitation will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 10AM to 11AM with the funeral service beginning at 11AM and a reception immediately after. His burial with full military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery later that afternoon at 2:30PM. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Centerpoint Church. Please visit Henry's personalized web page for online guest book or to leave a condolence at www.langelands.com.