Roger E. Knapp

Roger Edwin Knapp

Roger E. Knapp was taken to his heavenly home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. He was born June 13, 1942, to Edwin and Ruth (Learman) Knapp, in the Township of Maple Creek, New London, Wisconsin. Roger was baptized on July 12, 1942, by Rev. Imm. Boettcher and confirmed on July 8, 1956, by Rev. WB Nommensen both at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Maple Creek.

Roger was a proud member of the FFA and served as an officer. He graduated from New London High School in 1960 and went on to the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture, graduating in 1961. Roger was drafted into the Army in February of 1964 and served in the Vietnam War as a Precise Power Specialist until December 1965, was decorated as a Rifle Sharpshooter and received an honorable discharge. He married Judie Malueg on May 7, 1966, and they then purchased the family farm from his father. He dairy farmed until 1990 when he sold the cows and cash cropped for several years, then went into a forestry program planting the entire farm in trees the next three years. After farming, Roger worked for Select Sire, Ort Trucking, and finished his working career at Walker Forge in Clintonville. Roger began hunting as soon as he was old enough and continued to do so his whole life. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandsons for many years, especially down the Embarrass River on his farm, and never missed a night in the stands cheering them on. He was a member of Men of the Outdoors at Emanuel and Challenge the Outdoors.

Roger and Judie enjoyed traveling to many countries and spent many warm winters in Mexico, his favorite winter place. For many years, Roger helped his son Mike build his race cars and after that they enjoyed restoring antique case tractors together. Roger was involved in town government for many years, serving as supervisor and Town Chairman. He was always an active member of his church, serving on the church council, as well as many other offices, and did volunteer work. Roger was also an active member of the American Legion serving on many committees. He lived out his faith and that legacy continues on through his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Judie Knapp; daughter: Michele (Keith) Knapp-Pingel, Freedom; son: Michael (Tonia) Knapp, New London; grandchildren: Logan (Hanna Kabat) Pingel, Oshkosh, Luke (Hannah Roth) Pingel, Freedom, Wyatt (Marictza) Osman, New London, Ezme Osman-Knapp, New London; great grandson: Weston Osman, New London; brother: Russ (Sandi) Knapp, New London; sister-in-law: Terri Malueg, St. Germain; Barbara (Terry) Moericke, Lodi; brother-in-law: Ron (Mary) Malueg, Shawano; nieces and nephews.  He is further survived by his very special friends, Bill and Jim; the family wishes to thank them for their loyalty and dedication to Roger.  

Roger was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin and Ruth Knapp; in-laws: Eldor and Doris Malueg; parent-in-law: Lester Bork; brothers-in-law: Jerry Moericke and Randy Malueg; niece: Tamara Malueg.

The Christian Memorial Service for Roger will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Friday, June 23 from 4:00 - 7:00pm and also on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:45am. Burial will be in New Maple Creek Cemetery, Township of Maple Creek.