Knapp, Rex C. 1924-1982

KNAPP, SHARP

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/15/2008 at 19:29:36

REX KNAPP

Rex C. Knapp, 57, Aurora, Ill., died unexpectedly Feb. 1, 1982, at Elkhart, Ind. He and his wife were living temporarily at Elkhart. They continued to maintain their permanent residence at Aurora.

Services and interment were Feb. 5, at Aurora.

He was born July 1, 1924, at Westfield, the son of Elizabeth and the late Fay W. Knapp. He grew up on his parents farm in Plymouth county, just north of Sioux City.

Rex was a graduate of Sioux City Central High School and the University of Iowa. He later did graduate work at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

Betty Sharp and Mr. Knapp were married in 1949. They lived in Aurora where he was employed by Clark Equipment and subsidiaries for 32 years. His work took him to South America, Australia, South Africa and Europe.

During the Second World War he enlisted in the Air Corps and after many missions over Germany, the plan was brought down over Magdeberg and he spent the following 11 months as a prisoner of war.

Mr. Knapp was a member of many fraternal, professional and civic organizations in Aurora. He was actively involved with the youth of Aurora. He was past president of West Aurora High Buster Club and worked with Aurora Boys Club for 21 years.

A memorial has been established to the Boys Club in his name.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Debby Radtke, Springfield, Ill.; two sons, Carleton of Aurora and John of West Chicago; his mother, Elizabeth Knapp, Hinton; a brother, Robert, Hinton; a sister, Virginia Thomas, of Tucson, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.

~Source: LeMars Sentinel, Feb. 18, 1982