Reuben George Knapp

Reuben George Knapp, age 86, of the Town of Maple Creek, Outagamie County, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024, at his home.

Reuben was born October 15, 1937, in New London, WI, to George and Martha (Brennenstuhl) Knapp. He was baptized at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Maple Creek, on November 7, 1937, by Pastor Immanuel P. Boettcher, and later confirmed in his faith on July 15, 1951, by Pastor W. B. Nommensen, also at Emanuel.  Reuben attended Washington High School in New London but quit school to take over the family farm as a result of his father’s declining health. Growing up, he was a faithful member of both Emanuel and Bethlehem Lutheran churches where, over the course of several years, he served as usher, greeter, and on several church councils. He rarely missed a worship service until his later years when poor health made it difficult to attend.

Reuben was united in marriage to Myrna Schulz on June 4, 1960, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hortonville, with Pastor Charles Schlei officiating. While operating the dairy farm, Reuben was nominated for Outstanding Young Farmer in Outagamie County.  He continued to run the farm until it was sold in 1990. Reuben was also employed by the New London School District as a bus driver for 48 years where he loved interacting with so many kids.  In addition, he and his wife worked side by side doing the lawn mowing/landscaping for the schools for 10 plus years.

In his younger years he loved hunting and fishing.  In the winter, snowmobiling gave him the opportunity to gather friends and neighbors for cookouts and bonfires in the woods nearby.  He also enjoyed polka dancing with Myrna and his two daughters.  After retirement, the couple purchased scooters and enjoyed taking day trips throughout the state, sticking to backroads, and exploring the countryside. He always kept a large garden and enjoyed sharing its bounty with anyone willing to take it.  In his later years, Reuben enjoyed his daily golf cart rides around the neighborhood, keeping tabs on what the local farmers were up to in the fields. He also enjoyed attending car shows, especially if they were restored to their original grandeur.  His favorite, a ‘57 Chevy, was the vehicle he owned, which caught the attention of Myrna when they first met. Reuben was truly blessed with the gift of gab and a sense of humor.  He could start a conversation with almost anyone, and by the time you were done, he’d know your life story.

Reuben is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Myrna
Daughters: Debbie Knapp and Lori (Gary) Piatkowski
Sisters: Delores Heineman and Mary (Daryl) Hintz
Brothers-in-law: William Schulz and David Baxter
Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Audrey Baxter; a brother-in-law, Robert (Hazel) Schulz, and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Schulz. 

Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hortonville, with the Rev. Tristan Paustian officiating.

Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9 AM until the time of service.

A private inurnment will take place at The New Maple Creek Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

Special thanks and appreciation to Pastors Paustian and Westra, and the staff of Compassus Hospice for their care, attention and encouraging words.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Knapp family with arrangements.