William “Bill ” Lynch Knapp M.D.

William “Bill” Lynch Knapp, M.D.

Passed away peacefully at AngelsGrace Hospice on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the age 102. Husband of the late Margaret (nee Harmon). Caring father of Barbara (Frederick) Syrjanen, Janice (John) Merz and Richard (Carol Clement) Knapp. Proud Papa of Erik (Erin) Syrjanen, Kristen (Travis) Krans, Todd (Shawna McKeown) Merz and Kelsey Merz. Great Papa of Kai and Kira Syrjanen, Florence and Atlas Krans, Maeve and Griffin Merz. Also, dear friend of Jacqueline Heubel. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Betty (Gingras).

Our Dad was a loving son, grandson, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and caring friend to all who had the opportunity to know him. He left his impression on many people through his stories, jokes, systems (and binders), quotes, and advice (wanted and unwanted)! He cared deeply that he be remembered as a loving and generous individual, who used The Boy Scout Motto as his ‘North Star’.

Dad was born in Detroit Michigan and was raised in Wyandotte Michigan. He proudly attended The University of Michigan where he earned a BS degree and never stopped sharing the ‘Go Blue’ spirit. He then went on to Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning his degree as a medical doctor. He practiced medicine in Detroit for many years as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Later he completed a fellowship in Occupational Medicine at Wayne State University, which gave him the opportunity to finish his working career as a chief medical officer at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit.

Dad served in the U.S. Navy from 1950-1953 as a LTJG USNR, at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Zion, Illinois, on the USS Bushnell, and at the US Naval Base in Key West, Florida.

In retirement, Dad enjoyed traveling extensively all over the world, lamenting that the only continent he did not set foot on was Antarctica.

Five years ago, Dad moved from Michigan to Wisconsin. During this time, he became a Packer Fan, learned to enjoy fish fry Friday, drank Spotted Cow, and made many new friends. He was an ardent promoter of physical exercise every day and was a consistent participant in the exercise programs at the Regency in New Berlin.

We wish to thank everyone in our Regency-New Berlin family who took such wonderful care of Dad for these past 5 years. Also, the wonderful staff at Three Pillars during his three rehabilitation stays there. And for the empathy and caring of the staff at AngelsGrace Hospice who not only cared for our Dad, but for us as well.

If family or friends would like to remember Dad with a memorial, contributions are suggested to ProHealth Care Foundation-AngelsGrace Hospice, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities, Development Department, 314 E. Village Ct., Dousman, WI 53118 or by visiting www.ThreePillars.org., or ProHealth Care Senior Communities.

A gathering will be held at the Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.