Jerrold Melvin Knapp's Obituary
Jerrold Melvin Knapp passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 surrounded by his devoted wife, adoring children, and abundant grandchildren.
He was born April 13, 1939 in Salt Lake City, the only child, to Junius Melvin Knapp and Mildred LaVerne Lennberg. He was a quiet, intelligent child. He graduated from East High School in 1957 and later from the University of Utah in 1962 in Mechanical Engineering, becoming a Senior Professional Engineer.
He met his sweetheart, Ivy Maureen Jacobs, on a blind date set up by his best friend who was dating Maureen’s mother. His children love to recall the way the two couples went together on this first date, Jerry being ten years older than Maureen and his best friend being ten years younger than her mother, and both couples marrying!
Jerry and Maureen were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 10, 1967. Jerry’s father passed away when he was 17 years old, so it was quite a change for him to go from a quiet, orderly, well-mannered home alone with his working mother to Maureen’s large, rambunctious, and fun-loving family – she was the oldest of eight children. He settled in quite contentedly as he did to all the things Maureen introduced to him.
A loyal husband and dedicated father, his wife and children’s interests were his first-choice hobbies. There wasn’t a Pinewood Derby Race he entered with his sons that they didn’t win or a family campout that he missed. He attended his wife’s events, tirelessly carrying heavy loads in and out for her, and accurately keeping time on her canning projects. He ensured his family had what they needed and wanted; He was content to sit among them while he watched them do what they loved.
A thorough problem solver and fix-it man, family and neighbors could always count on Jerry to complete a job they needed done and do it well. He asked nothing in return. He loved to tinker with tools and work on cars. He liked doing crossword puzzles and playing games like Rummikub, always winning with a straight face. Rummaging pawn shops on lunch breaks in his working years and shopping thrift stores with Maureen, looking for treasures, were consistent hobbies he pursued.
Jerry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He kept immaculate records for the many years he served as the ward clerk. He set an example of obedience to his family, especially in the way he desired to pay his tithing. On the days he knew his deposits were made into his bank account, it was the first thing he wanted to do in the morning, even before his calling breakfast.
He unexpectedly lost his ability to walk while undergoing an out-patient back surgery in 2008. Never one to complain, he found ways to live a fulfilling life, mostly confined to his home, and continued serving his family, despite losing his hearing and some of his vision. Children fondly remember the way, for example, if he found one flashlight on Amazon Prime that he loved, he bought one for all the grandchildren, or if he heard a child needed a certain gadget, he would find it and buy it online.
Maureen tenderly insisted caring for him in their home to the very end and he always expressed gratitude for everything she did. After making him meals, he would not begin eating without her, even if it meant the food was cold. She will peacefully remember his last words to her, “Love you, Honey Bunny.”
Jerry is survived by his loving companion Ivy Maureen Jacobs; his six children: Jerrold Randall Knapp (Lisa Finlinson), April Knapp Petersen, Jenny Leanne Sharp (R.D.), Christopher Michael Knapp, Sr. (Kirstin Neider), Rebecca Anne Cuttle (Johnathan), William Joseph Knapp (Amber Horrocks); 18 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12 Noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10945 S 1700 E., Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location and on Friday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at Larkin Cemetery.
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