Robert B Knapp

Robert B. Knapp, 83, of Marysville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

He was born February 1, 1935 in Port Huron to the late Helen Barker Knapp and Raymond Knapp. He attended Port Huron High School and graduated in 1952. He married Normajean Wessel on May 12, 1962 in Memphis, and they had four children, Jean, twins, Karen & Robert, and Debra.

Robert was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to all. A unique soul, he was very funny and enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends and family.

Robert worked as a tool and die (mold maker) specialist at various manufacturing suppliers with a focus on automotive electrical parts. He started his career in 1953 at Mueller Brass in Port Huron, where he joined the company as a mail clerk and eventually wrote a test that granted him acceptance into their apprenticeship program. One of his major career achievements was building a part that was a key component in the Mercury Metalcraft - NASA Lunar Lander project in 1970.

In 1957, he went through basic training as a Private in the armed forces and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Robert met the love of his life, Normajean Wessel at the S.S. Kresge store in Port Huron, while looking for film for his camera. He asked her if he could take her home, but before she said yes, she had him checked out thoroughly and was impressed with how many good things she heard about him. The rest was history as they were married on May 12, 1962.

He enjoyed many sports and played basketball and fast pitch softball with various city recreation and church league teams. As a first baseman for Mueller Brass Local 44 and other church league teams, he hit many a home run over the fence at Pine Grove Park. His close friends used to call him “Bobo.” He also enjoyed his Detroit Lions and was an avid fan for many years, looking for that elusive Super Bowl appearance and championship win.

Robert also loved his cars and had quite a stable of “hot rods” over his lifetime, including a ‘50 Mercury with a ’60 Cadillac engine that he raced down Lakeshore Drive, a ’67 Corvette Stingray Convertible (427 V8), ’76 Datsun 260Z, ’76 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ, ’86 Corvette and a ’96 Impala SS.

He will be greatly missed. Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Normajean; four children, Jean (Ron) Chapdelaine, Robert (Michele) Knapp, Karen Knapp, and Debra (Michael) Meissner; ten grandchildren, Christopher (Bethany) Chapdelaine, Robert A. Knapp, Callie (Mike) Cray, David (Amanda) Steier, Nichole Knapp, Michael Chapdelaine, Chelsea Steier, Brandon Knapp, Jacob Meissner and Jonathan Chapdelaine; a great granddaughter, Lucille Chapdelaine; his two best friends, Carl Beach and Dick Kaumeier; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Pat (Charles) Richter and Eleanor (Tom) Russell.

Visitation will be 2:30-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 in Marysville Funeral Home. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018 in St. Christopher Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. James Arwady will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Water Hospice Home or St. Christopher Catholic Church. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com