Roger Knape

Hubert Roger Knape, age 80, of Cascade, passed on June 3, 2017. He is now at peace in Heaven with his late parents, Florence and Hubert, and deceased brothers Don, Dick, and Jerry Knape. Roger is survived by his beloved wife Ginni; devoted children, Tracy Clark (Jeffrey), Suzy, Joe (Carolyn), Jim (Laurieanne), and Fred Knape; six wonderful grandchildren, Justin and Brandon Clark, Sam and Chloe Knape, and Tyler and Andrew Knape; brother John Knape (Joanne); sister Joan Caldwell; and sister-in-law Mary Knape (Dick).

Roger lived a life of fulfillment and joy without regret, for he was a man of God, loving son, thoughtful brother, proud father, adoring Pa, and caring husband to Ginni for 57 blessed years. Roger spent his entire 42-year career working at Knape & Vogt Mfg.

An outdoorsman at heart, Roger relished the splendor of nature, spending time as a member of the Spoonville Hunt Club, boating on the “Jolly Roger,” etching and painting marvelous duck decoys, and gardening in his yard, where he whistled to the robins, watched the squirrels, and took in serene moments with the bubbling sounds of his Saint Francis water fountain.

Roger was a tender, kind man of grace who asked for little and gave much – always with a warm presence and gentle smile. In his 18 years of retirement, Roger became a Eucharistic Minister through Blodgett Hospital, regularly visited nursing homes, organized religious retreats, and worked with the Bereavement Ministry at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, counselling those in need of spiritual strength and guidance.

A holy man who embraced his Faith with strength and beautiful devotion. Roger was not afraid in his final days, for he lived a full life, raised a loving family, and had prepared himself well for Eternal life in the hands of the Lord. As a close friend commented, Roger “has been taken away to be crowned at the feet of his beloved Jesus.” He will be missed dearly by many.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 P.M. (Noon) Monday June 12, 2017 at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E., Ada, MI 49301 with Fr. Leonard Sudlik as Celebrant.  Visitation will be Sunday at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-8pm with the Rosary recited at 7:45pm and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s. 

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