George L. Knapp

George L. Knapp, 92, of Wataga, died at 9:58 a.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at home. George was born in Galesburg on October 15, 1925, the son of George H. and Isabelle A. (Anderson) Knapp. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Oneida High School. He served in the US Army Air Corp WWII from 1946 to 1947. After serving in the military George returned home to farm. He met Kathy Thomas at the American Legion Hall where he asked her to dance. They were married on September 11, 1954 in Galesburg. George owned and operated an implement dealership in Galesburg and worked 20 years for Meadow Gold Dairy. George and Kathy created and operated Knapco Distributors Wholesale floral and gift business and later owned and operated Hawthorne Centre Craft and Antique Malls in Galesburg. George served his community on farming committees and the Wataga Baseball Association. He was active in the Beatrice Credit Union, serving in many capacities including Treasurer and President. George served on the Knox County Board of Review for 14 years and the Knox County Board for 12 years, he was a longtime active member of the Knox County Democratic Central Committee. As busy and involved as George was his family was always the most important to him.He had a quick wit and loved to be around people. It was often said if you looked up ornery in the dictionary there would be a picture of George. The farmer in George never left as he always had a large garden and loved tending to his yard. George was an avid fan of Silver Streak basketball and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in many activities. George enjoyed Big Band Music and dancing throughout his years, enjoying his last dance with Kathy on Saturday, February 17th listening to Lawrence Welk. George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathy, of Wataga; three daughters, Mary (Bill) Anderson of Normal, Barb (Art) Lindquist of Galesburg, and Georgia (Dennis) Lepisto of Wataga; one son, Tom (Julie) Knapp of Galesburg; and five grandchildren, Aaron Anderson, Caleb Lepisto, Chelsea (FJ) Minor, Tristan Lepisto, and Johnathan Knapp. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Timmy; and one daughter, Patti. A celebration of life will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory with eulogies being read at 3 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of cremated remains will be in the spring at Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, IL. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home or to Galesburg Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s.