Dale Wendell Knapp

MADISON- Dale Wendell Knapp, age 91, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Dale was born on Oct. 23, 1920, in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the son of Marion and Pearl Knapp. He graduated from Bloomington High and went on to the University of Wisconsin where he earned a degree in Agriculture. After college, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II. While there he met and fell in love with his wife June. After his service in the army he went back to Bloomington where he married June and together they raised seven children. While living in the Bloomington/Lancaster area, Dale earned a living by farming. In the summer of 1968 the family moved to Madison where he learned the masonry trade. Dale loved spending time with family and friends but also enjoyed camping and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Dale leaves behind five children, Kathleen of Madison, Allen of Madison, Ken (Mary) of Madison, Roger (Jan) of Columbus, and David (Kim) of Rio; 12 grandchildren, Kristine (Kent) Buehler, Shane (Erin) Knapp, Brian Curtis, Amber Barmore, Shalana Knapp, Alicia Knapp, Nikole Curtis, Cory Knapp, Mackenzie Knapp, Sydney Knapp, Kyle Zenk and Kourtney Zenk; and two great-grandchildren, Lindsey Buehler and Charli Curtis. Dale also leaves behind eight brothers and sisters-in-law, Joyce, Kingston, Leoni, Max, Delores, Paula, Pam and Ann, all of New Zealand. Dale was preceded in death by his loving wife, June; his parents; oldest daughter, Jeanette Meyer; and youngest daughter, Sheila Curtis. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, Meriter Hospital and Belmont Nursing Home for all the loving care they provided for Dale. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding.