Charles Putnam Knapp, 89, of Knoxville, IL died peacefully on June 27th 2023.
Charles was born October 11, 1933, in Galesburg, IL. He was the son of Charles and Francis Knapp of Oneida, IL. Charlie graduated from R.O.V.A. High School in 1952 and married Marilyn Holmes on August 20, 1955. They were married 63 years before Marilyn passed away in 2019.
Charlie attended Western Illinois University, where he graduated with a B.S. in music as well as M.S. and Ed.S. degrees in administration. He served as director of bands and orchestras in the Knoxville, IL school system for 31 years. After retiring from teaching, Charlie worked with his wife, Marilyn, as co-owners of Knapp Band Instrument Company and String Shop.
Charlie is survived by two sons, Robert (Rebecca) Knapp of Ellisville, IL and James Knapp of Pittsboro, IN; six grandchildren: Greg (Maegan) Knapp of Peoria, IL, Elise (Bruce) Phillips of Brownsburg, IN, Carrie (Austin) Blessman of Germantown Hills, IL, Emily (John) Shambaugh of Indianapolis, IN, Jacob Knapp of Pittsboro, IN, and Josie (Quinton) Thompson of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren: great grandsons Elliott Phillips, Graham Phillips, Kent Phillips, Jack Blessman, Henry Blessman, and Everett Knapp; great granddaughters Ellie Knapp and Charlie Knapp. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Francis, his wife, Marilyn, and his daughter-in-law, Amy Knapp.
Throughout his life, Charlie served his family, students, and friends with a devotion that reflected his loving spirit. His passion for music touched thousands of people in central Illinois. In addition to his teaching role, Charlie was a violist with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony for 50 years, a member of the Monmouth Civic Orchestra for 17 years, and a violinist with Hal Loya String Quartet for 30 years. He also played drums in a dance band, the Charles Knapp Quartet. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. Whether he was teaching, performing, repairing instruments, or attending musical events, his love for the beauty and joy of music was evident. One of his former students recalled, “At the end of every concert, in that moment of silence between the stunning last note and the applause, Mr. Knapp would look up from his music stand, look into our eyes, and whisper, ‘beautiful.’”
Charlie’s love for his community fueled his involvement with the Galesburg Community Foundation and the Knoxville Community Fund. In support of the arts, Charlie and his wife, Marilyn, attended numerous local music and arts events, such as the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Peoria Symphony. For many years he organized and directed summer band concerts in Knoxville Park as well as the Knox County Fair. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, boating, and skiing with his family and dear friends.
Following his retirement from teaching, Charlie and Marilyn enjoyed traveling. They always returned from their adventures with stories of wonderful people and new friends they had met.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 7th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg, Illinois. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held following the funeral service at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, IL from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. The family will join the celebration following a private burial service.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Galesburg Community Foundation (Knoxville Community Fund) or Trinity Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
