Dr. Don Edward Knapp
Sunday, December 29, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Age:
80 years old
Sunday, December 29, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Age:
80 years old
Sunday, December 29, 1935
Date of Death:
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Age:
80 years old
Dr. Don Edward Knapp
The memorial service for Dr. Don Knapp will be at 11:00 am Saturday June 18, 2016, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Anjanette Bandel officiating. Visitation one hour before the service at the funeral home.
Dr. Knapp, 80, of Benton, Illinois, died Sunday June 12, 2016, at Season Hospice Home in Rochester.
Don was born December 29, 1935, in Benton, Illinois, to George and Virginia Brown Knapp. He graduated from Benton High School. He attended the University of Illinois — Champagne. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois — Chicago. Initially, Don was in private practice in Robinson, Illinois. He then moved back to Benton, Illinois, and went to work at Southern Illinois University — Carbondale. He became the director of the Employee Health Service. During this time he became the team physician for the Southern Illinois University — Carbondale men’s basketball team. He enjoyed this for 30 years.
Don married Evelyn Schlichting July 11, 1998, at St. Michaels Lutheran Church at Waltham, Minnesota.
Don is survived by his wife Evelyn, two sons Bill (Robin) and John, both of California, a sister Lynn (Jamie) Shotts of Benton, Illinois, and his nephew and niece Allan (Kelly) and Julie Shotts.
Don loved to play golf and loved working with the basketball team.
Memorials are suggested to Southern Illinois University Foundation for Men’s basketball program Carbondale, Illinois, Mayo Clinic or Seasons Hospice.
Condolences
The family of Dr. Don Edward Knapp has received the following condolences.
Evelyn,
We were saddened to learn of Don's passing. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. You'll always have the beautiful memories to hold close to your heart of your time spent together.
Jim & Barb Aarhus
Dear Evelyn,
So many wonderful things said about your husband. I think I maybe met him once, why is it families don't stay in touch? I am sorry not to have known him better he sounds like a wonderful man.
I am so sorry for your loss and pray that you will find comfort in knowing that Don will be waiting for you in a much better place. May your memories help you through those tough times and the strength your loved ones can give. It is hard to know what to say but I think you know anyway.
Hugs and Prayers,
Sharrie
Dear Evelyn, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time as they have been before Don's passing. You were a lucky gal to have him and with that all your great memories be a comfort to you always. God's Blessings and may He strengthen you always. Our sympathy to you. Tammy & Art
Dear Evelyn,
I was so saddened to hear of Don's ( or Dr. Dawg) as he signed off on my retirement card) passing.
I always looked forward to seeing the two of you come into the DAHLC. I loved your letting me know he was on his way so that I could prepare something hopefully smart to him so we could have a good laugh.
He was definitely always a bright spot in my day, and I always got a laugh when he would stand up on the top floor staircase and point his cane at me like he was shooting me when I was on the first floor fitness desk and just his general good humor and demeanor.
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of all who knew and cared about him.
May he rest in peace eternal, having lived a wonderful life here on earth.
All my sympathy,
Connie A. White
Dr. Knapp was one of the great golfers ever at Soldiers Field GC, he'll be greatly missed by golfers and staff alike. His charm, grace, generosity, humor, and more will be missed by golfers and staff alike. From all of us at Soldiers Field GC, our condolences to Evelyn during this difficult time.
- David Richardson
Evelyn, you have my sympathy. Don was always such a joy to see and chat with at the DAHLC. He has impacted the lives of many and will be missed. May God give you strength during this time. Take care, Paula Ricke
There are many of us that have been a part of the SIU family that will miss Dr Knapp. Doc actually hired me to work at the health service in 1974 ; we have been friends for a long time. He was a man of many talents: a great administrator, skilled surgeon, kind and generous to a fault. I remember when his nurse, Mrs Wren, retired he gave her a Rolex watch as a gift. That was Doc Knapp. Our paths separated over the years, but we were always brought together through basketball. Never enough time...never enough words. I am so sorry for your loss, Sylvia
My heart goes out to you, Evie, and all the family and friends of Don. Although I did not have an opportunity to meet this outstanding man, I know he will be missed. My life's experience has taught me that "grief is the price we pay for love" and hope that by sharing memories of the way your lives were touched by this man you loved so very much, your grieving process will be softened. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
"Doc" was an Icon of SAUKI Basketball having worked with 5 different Head Coaches over a 30 year time span. His service to the student-athletes was first and foremost his passion. Don's catch phrase, "Let the Big Dawg Eat" became his calling card and will be remembered by all associated with the men's basketball program. He left a huge thumb print on this institution.
Southern Illinois University can never thank Don and Evelyn enough for their kind generosity.
May you "Rest in Peace" Doc Knock!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dr. Knapp was a wonderful man. I always enjoyed my conversations with him at the DAHLC. Even if I was in a hurry to get kids from school or daycare I always took a couple of minutes to chat with him because it always brightened my day. He will truly be missed.
as the days and weeks pass and as you return to life's routine;may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.thinking of you at this difficult time,evelyn. hugs and prayers.
My heartfelt sympathy Evie.
As I was reading the obituary, I was reminded of you leaving work so you and your husband could watch the basketball tournament for SIU this spring. So many times we think, well, I can't really leave work early today... we can watch them play next year. I am glad you decided to take the time to watch your team together!
Sincerely, Joel Berg