With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gerald "Gerry" Knapp, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and military veteran. Born on a small family farm in Bruno, MN, to Aleck and Frances (Swintek) Knapp, on July 16, 1937, Gerry passed away on February 20, 2024. He was 86 years old.

Gerry's life was one marked by dedication and service. A man of great integrity and strength, he pursued education tirelessly, culminating in a Master's degree in Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. His thirst for knowledge was matched only by his commitment to his community and country.

Gerald enjoyed a fulfilling career, teaching at Superior, Aitkin, and Duluth Public Schools, with his longest tenure being 13 years at Duluth. He was proud of being the Industrial Arts Department head at Denfeld HS and serving on the State of Minnesota IA/Vocational Education Curriculum committee. One of his greatest accomplishments was organizing and creating the curriculum for the first computer drafting courses for the Duluth Public School District.

Beyond his impressive career in education, Gerry Knapp had a rich military background. He underwent military education at the Minnesota Military Academy, excelling in various training programs across the United States. His military leadership roles included serving as Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, executive officer, company commander, battalion CBR, and communications officer over a span of many years. Noteworthy accomplishments in his military service include being recognized as the Unit Career Advisor of the Year in 1987 and earning NCO of the Year for the 148th in 1986.

His service extended beyond the classroom and the barracks, as he dedicated his time to community initiatives such as the Hinckley Museum renovation and actively serving in his beloved church congregations, both at Gloria Dei in Duluth and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Askov. Gerry also enjoyed serving in various roles as the Supervisor of the Denfeld Rifle Club and as the President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Head of Lakes Technology Education Club.

Gerry was lucky enough to have found love more than once, first with Barbara Nedegaard, with whom he married in 1962 and shared many happy years until her passing in 1994.  After the loss of Barbara, Gerry married Judy Dammann in 1995, and after losing Judy he was able to discover love one last time with Mona Maxwell, whom he married in 2001. Gerry was a devoted father to his children, Scott and Debbie, finding joy in family gatherings, music, and outdoor pursuits like deer hunting and camping.
Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, his wives Barbara (Nedegaard) Knapp, Judy (Dammann) Knapp, and Mona (Maxwell) Knapp, his sisters Pauline Knapp and Lorraine Knapp, and Barb and Gerry's infant son, Gregory Allen Knapp.

Gerry's legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his children Scott (Pam) Knapp and Debbie (Sean) O'Connor; Grandchildren Tamara (Brent) Potter, Jonathon Knapp, Brennan (Ali) Knapp, Zachary (Hannah) O'Connor, Justin (Ashlee) O'Connor, Christian O'Connor, and Madigan O'Connor; Great-grandchildren Destiny and Alyssa Muehlbauer, Zoey, Ava, Peyton, and Logan O'Connor; and his sister Dorothy Bolme, all who will carry forward his memory with love and pride.

A funeral service will be held for Gerry at 2 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Askov, MN, with Clara Edin, S.A.M. officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm at the church. A lite luncheon will be served following the service at the church.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Sandstone, Minnesota