Joel was a loving and compassionate man. Always funny with an ever so dry wit. He was an avid fisherman and sports fanatic with a long time, unwavering love for the Detroit Tigers. In Joel’s younger years, one could always find him either coaching little league, playing in a men’s softball league, or watching his children and friends at the ballparks in New Baltimore, MI. Joel was a member of St. Mary’s Queen of Creation in New Baltimore, MI, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joel started his career at Chrysler in Warren, MI, where he honed in on his euchre skills. There was never a time Joel would pass up playing a game of Euchre with his family, friends, or anyone he just met. He passes on his love for both baseball and euchre to his children and grandchildren. Joel married Mary on October 28, 1977. They retired to Nunnelly, TN where Joel found much peace and joy meticulously tending to his farm. Joel was a member of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 46 years, Mrs. Mary Knapp of Nunnelly, TN, daughter Laura Wallyn, daughter Heidi Robinson, son Edwin Knapp, daughter Denise (Jeff) Geers, daughter Heather Solomon, stepson Bill (Cathy) Hudson, stepdaughter Susie (Joe) Brasel and stepson Thomas Hudson. Brother Edwin Knapp, brother Louis (Barb) Knapp, brother John (Bobbi) Knapp, sister Mary Lou (Lloyd) Dyker, sister Margaret Darby, brother Michael (Sandra) Knapp, sister Julie Knapp, sister Anne (James) Moody and sister in law Betsy Knapp.

Grandchildren: Dustin (Stephanie) Kuczynski, Mackenzie Robinson, Joshua (Adelle) Knapp, Olivia Knapp, Jacob Knapp, Emma Knapp, Jessica (Jamison) McGowan, Kaitlyn Geers, Kelsey Geers, Chloe Shipman, Isaiah Shipman, Jamie (Aric) Hinson, Michelle (Michael) Jenkins, Jessica (Devin) Bunch, Amy (EJ) Gunter, Matthew (Allison) Hudson, Floyd Hudson, Mary Hudson. Great grandchildren: Delaney Kuczynski, Cecelia and Luka Knapp, Shepherd and Rhodes McGowan, Lyndee Hinson, Lillian, Landon and Logan Jenkins, Grayson and Paisley Gunter, Olivia Bunch, Ava, Harris and Anna Hudson, Hadley Hudson, Brinley and Bennett Hudson.

In addition to his parents, Joel is preceded in death by his brother James Knapp, brother Thomas Knapp, daughter in law Kelly Knapp, grandson Austin Hudson, and great granddaughter Arica Hinson. Joel will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, and all who knew him.