Born: February 20, 1955 - Deceased: October 1, 2019
Bruce E. Knapp, 64, passed away, Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 at his home in Millstadt, Illinois.
Bruce was born Sunday, February 20, 1955 in Columbus, Ohio to Wayne and Dorothy (Poniske) Knapp. He graduated from Althoff Catholic Highschool in 1973 and Southwestern Illinois College in 1975. On June 19, 1976 he married the love of his life, Jayne Becherer in Belleville, Illinois. Bruce was employed as a Medical Laboratory Technician and received many accolades throughout his career. His knowledge and skill led him to become an exceptional clinical instructor, in the field. He loved teaching. He also was an accomplished outdoorsman. He spent much of his free time hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a member of numerous hunting and nature conservation clubs. He also enjoyed music, writing, but above all, spending time with his family.
Bruce was preceded in death by his:
- Mother and father-in-law: Norman and Dorothy Becherer
Bruce is survived by his:
- Loving wife of 43 years: Jayne
- Three children
- Neal Knapp and wife Jennifer
- Kathryn Norsigian and husband Nathan
- Joni Knapp and partner Colin Calvanese
- Six grandchildren
- Lance Corporal Tristin Knapp
- Riley Knapp
- Jacob Knapp
- Dax Norsigian
- Levi Norsigian
- Tenley Norsigian
- Parents: Wayne and Dorothy (Poniske) Knapp
- Three brothers
- Wayne (Chris) Knapp
- Greg (Monica) Knapp
- Jeff (Melinda) Knapp
- Two sisters
- Diane Eichorn
- Jane (Ed) Basta
- Brother-in-law: Ronald (Sandy) Becherer
- Two sister-in-laws
- Nancy (Michael) Billhartz
- Barbara (Greg) Kimutis
- Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends
- Loving dog Jack: who refused to leave his side
Memorial: A memorial luncheon and celebration of his life will be held from 12pm-4pm, Sunday, October 13th at Catholic War Veterans Post 370 in Belleville, IL.
“This path is the future
And must be traveled
All plans will unfold
The mysteries unravel
This we will do
Hand in Hand
But we will do it slowly
Trying to understand
That life is lived best
One step at a time
You can’t sing the songs
If you don’t know the rhyme
What’s expected from me
What’s expected from you
Is debated by all
But known by we two
For with support from our roots
And from God above
I’ll be the strength
Because you are the love”
– Love Bruce
7 Comments
You and Jayne are super heroes to so many people. We will all miss you and we will celebrate every minute of your life. We send our love to you and your beautiful family.
Jayne and family, so very sorry for your loss, Bruce was an exceptional person who will be greatly missed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and that Bruce is at peace and welcomed with open arms by those family members that preceded him. ??
Sincerest condolences for your family during this difficult time. Prayers and peace are wished for you all. God bless.
Jane,
So sorry about your husband please accept my sympathy. My thoughts & prayers are with you, Take care Betty Black Patterson
Dear Jane and Family
I was shocked and saddened to read of Bruce’s too early death. It was a pleasure for me to watch him grow from High School friend of our boys to my co-worker at St. Elizabeth’s. He was a friend and helper to me. He had a kind heart. I enjoyed his stories about Neal and the girls growing up. I am very sorry that you have lost your love while you are yet so young.
I’m so sorry to hear the loss of your husband…Bruce. We were good friends @ St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School. Later on in life we lost touch but we had great memories. Please accept my sympathy. We Don’t Say Goodbye We Say…Till We Meet Again.
A Celebration of a Life full of Love is certainly appropriate for a Man like Bruce who enjoyed the unconditional Love of his Faithful Wife Jayne and his Family led by his Parents Dorothy and Wayne. We give to all who knew Bruce our sincere Condolence’s.