PAUL R KNAPP 1927-2008

KNAPP, NISSLE, CAWTHORN, DOGGETT

Posted By: Dana Roquet (email)
Date: 1/7/2011 at 15:17:52

Des Moines Register
May 15, 2008

Paul R. Knapp died on May 14, 2008 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. There will be a visitation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn’s Chapel 2121 Grand Avenue. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at Plymouth Church 4126 Ingersoll Avenue. Following the service, entombment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery Mausoleum.

Paul was born in Detroit, MI. on December 19, 1927 and grew up in Allerton, Iowa. He was the son of William and Anna Knapp. He is survived by his wife, Carol Knapp; his three sons and five grandchildren, a brother Bill Knapp and two sisters, Mary Louise Cawthorn and Carolyn Doggett.

After graduating from American Institute of Business and serving in the Navy, Paul joined his brother and lifelong business partner Bill Knapp. He started as a salesman and soon became one of the top agents at Iowa Realty. Paul because General Sales Manager in 1970 and President of the company in 1977. He was a key factor in the growth of the residential brokerage business and the state wide Iowa Realty franchise program. Paul was the president of the Des Moines Board of Realtors and won many awards for his service and performance in the real estate industry in Des Moines and the state of Iowa. After retiring from Iowa Realty, Paul became a board member and Vice President of Knapp Properties.

Paul also served on the board of West Bank, Iowa Aviation Expo, American Institute of Business, Dowling Catholic School and Scottish Rite Park. He was proud to be a member of the Shrine Royal order of Jesters and had the honor of being a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge and Des Moines Consistory where he was a KCCH and 33rd Degree Mason.

Paul was a lifelong avid golfer and for many years held an annual “Two Tap” event in honor of his golf buddies from around the country and other friends. He also loved anything to do with aviation and hosted an annual model air show at his farm for family and friends. Upon retirement Paul realized a lifelong goal of becoming an instrument rated pilot.

Paul was always described as a great friend who was fun to be with and as the “guy behind the scenes” making things happen. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Paul was honored by his brother, Bill Knapp, with the dedication of a new facility on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, The Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Memorial contributions to the Center in his memory may be directed to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Note from contributor: His mother was Anna Elizabeth Nissle. I altered the information slightly by not including the names of the living children and grandchildren.
I posted this obituary in the Wayne county site as well.