Donald “Fritz” Fred Knapp age 67 of rural Redwood Falls passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Redwood Area Hospital after a brief illness with cancer.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home.

Visitation is one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Private family burial will be at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fritz Knapp was born July 11, 1945 in Redwood Falls, MN to Magnus and Cora (Wolters) Knapp. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1964. On November 6, 1965 he married Marjorie Jacobsen at Zion Lutheran Church in Morgan. Fritz joined the National Guard while in high school. He received 6 months training and then attended advanced training in Alaska. Fritz received his Honorable Discharge on July 7, 1969. He returned to Redwood Falls and worked at Control Data for a couple of years. Fritz worked at the liquor store for 18 years and at Jackpot Junction where he was manager of the evening change for 18 years. Fritz enjoyed racing, which he did for many years, and vegetable gardening. He loved going up to the cabin and deer hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his family especially his sons and grandchildren.

Fritz is survived by his wife Marge of 47 years; sons Michael (and daughter-in-law Christine) Knapp of Backus and Jon Knapp of Redwood Falls; grandchildren Justin, Jackie (fiancé Jeremy Martin), and Joleen (boyfriend Rob Gebhert), great grandson Carter Knapp; brother Bob Knapp of Redwood Falls; nephew Joel Knapp of Redwood Falls; aunt Toots (Rollie) Kuglin of Redwood Falls; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.