Jean Knapp

Jean A. Knapp, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center – St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, July 23, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, 326 N Lowe St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Jodi Cartwright officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to M-40 Hustlers or First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. Jean was born on October 9, 1939, in Dowagiac, to Marion & Mildred (Gassman) Preston. She was a graduate from Dowagiac High School. On July 18, 1959, she married Donald Knapp. Jean enjoyed sewing, biking, camping and bird watching. She was a 4-H group leader for the M-40 Hustlers for over 45 years at the Cass County Fair & received the Outstanding Leader Award for Cass Co. in 1993. During her time as a 4-H leader, she loved to teach kids clowning and many other 4-H activities. Most of all Jean loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her. Jean is survived by her loving husband, Donald Knapp; children, Michael E (Betty C.) Knapp of Dowagiac, Becky (Daniel) Peters of Dowagiac & David (Laura) Knapp of Niles; grandchildren, Brandon Knapp, Jacob Peters, Christian Knapp, Jared Peters and Matthew Knapp; siblings, Gerald (Patricia) Preston, Sue Knapp, Jack (Barb) Preston, Joy (Ward) Kaler, Milton (Judy) Preston, Gray (Linda) Preston, & Peter (Linda) Preston. She was preceded in death by her parents.