James ‘Jim’ Knapp

James ‘Jim’ Knapp, 73, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 12th after a day of being surrounded by his loved ones. He battled valiantly against diabetic complications and renal failure. 

Jim was born on Aug. 15th, 1949, to Gerald and Evelyn ‘Skip’ Knapp in Lancaster. After graduating from Bloomington High School in 1967, Jim was a staple working the family farm for many years. You could always count on Jim to be milking cows and completing chores. Jim met Donna, and they got married on Dec. 27, 1985. Jim became a father figure to Donna’s three girls and helped raise and support them. When he was not working on the farm, he was hunting in the woods, fishing on the river, or playing pool at the bar. More than anything he was a proud grandfather. Above all else he loved being around his grandchildren and supporting all their endeavors. His support and charismatic smile will be deeply missed. 

He is survived by wife Donna, his children Jody (Joey) Morrow, Janna (Josh) Habeck, and Amy Otte and his precious grandchildren Austin, Aidan, Avery, Alec, Axel, Emmi, Eley, and Sunshine. His mother Evelyn ‘Skip’ Knapp, his sisters Sandy (Mike) Kabele, Vicki (Howard) Sanborn, Debbie (Mark) Bierman, Bonnie (Tommy) Gross, Cherie (Mike) Mozuch, Kris Blatterman, and his brother John (Betty). He was also survived by his father-in-law Jim Ley, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was predeceased by his father Gerald Knapp, sister Becky Nies, brother-in-law Bill Blatterman, mother-in-law Kate Ley, and brother-in-law Mike Ley. 

In honoring the request of Jim, there will be no formal funeral service. A “Celebration of life” honoring Jim will be held from 11-3 p.m. on Friday Nov. 18, 2022, at Bloomington Legion Hall in Bloomington, with food and fellowship. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family and online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com