Clifford "Cliff" Ralph Knapp

Clifford “Cliff” Ralph Knapp, 92, Wausau, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. 

He was born March 21, 1931 in Wausau to Rudolph and Viola Knapp.  Cliff graduated from Trinity Lutheran grade school and Wausau Senior High School.  On April 15, 1952, he married Merceda Rekowski at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau, where they were longtime members.  For 42 years, Cliff worked for Wausau Papers in Brokaw until his retirement. 

Cliff had many interests, including fishing, gardening, dancing, woodworking, counted cross-stitching and pine needle basketry.  He was an avid golfer and at age 67, landed a hole in one at the Legion Golf Course. 

For 25 years, Cliff served as a director at Brokaw Credit Union.  He enjoyed volunteering at Marywood Convalescent Center, The Warming Center and Mount View Care Center.  Together, Cliff and Merceda enjoyed 21 winters in Hudson, Florida, where they met so many wonderful longtime friends, and also traveled to many different countries that they found to be both fun and educational. 

Survivors include, four children, Mark (Connie) Knapp, Alison (Lou-Ann Snyder) Knapp, Randal (Debbie) Knapp and Gregg (Sherrie) Knapp; seven grandchildren, Amy Knapp, Jared (Shauna) Knapp, Adam Knapp Wachsner, Chris (Neeti) Arndt, Dan (Mindy) Arndt, Spencer Knapp and Kate Knapp; seven great-grandchildren, Bailee, Bentley and Hudson Knapp, Brody and Taylor Arndt and Keeran and Riaan Arndt; one brother, Wayne “Chum” Knapp; one brother-in-law, Chuck Luedtke; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Knapp; one sister, Alice Luedtke; two sisters-in-law, Mary Knapp and Lois Knapp; and most of all, his loving wife of 64 years, Merceda.  Cliff and Merceda worked together, played together, prayed together and stayed together.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, village of Maine.  Rev. Maggie Westaby will officiate.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the church.  Private burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in memory of Cliff.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com