Perry John Knapp

Perry John Knap, of Lakeville, MN, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. He was surrounded by his family that he dearly loved. Perry lived a life defined by his kindness and gentle ways. He was 89 years old and spent the last two and a half years at the Veterans Home in memory care.

Perry was born on July 7, 1937 in Long Prairie, MN to parents, Vina and Roland Knapp. He grew up in Long Prairie, attending school until 1955. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout the school years. He began attending St. John's University in 1955 in Collegeville, MN. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts and Social Science degree.

In September of 1960 he was drafted into the US Army. After weeks of training at Fort Hood, Texas, he was stationed in Augsburg, Germany. He enjoyed his time there and visited other countries in Europe. In 1963 he returned home where he served in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1966 as a Specialist 4th Class.

Following the Army he worked at Armor & Co and Sperry Univac in cost accounting. He then began a long career at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center in court services for 25+ years until he retired in 1995.

On June 26, 1965 Perry married Elizabeth (Betty) Dinkel of Long Prairie, daughter of Hazel and Herbert Dinkel. They had two children together, Jennifer and Michael. When Perry retired, he was Betty's back up guy to help out at home and he did a great job, as Betty was busy with her real estate career. He also volunteered at the Burnsville Ridges Hospital in the pediatric department. HE enjoyed being the "Grandpa" of the unit. Perry and Betty had a wonderful marriage and recently celebrated 61 years together.

Perry enjoyed his hobbies or woodworking, golf, fishing, and family time at their cabin in Alexandria, MN.

When Betty retired in 2006, they began to travel the world extensively with many international trips and cruises. Also road trips in the US, visiting all 50 states.

Perry is preceded in death by his parents, Vina and Roland Knapp; brother, Roger (Beverly) Knapp; and many dear relatives and friends. Perry is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Jennifer (John) Engelhart and Michael (Sharon) Knapp; and granddaughters, Anja, Lydia, and Morgan Engelhart.

A special THANK YOU to the Minneapolis Veterans Home and staff in building 19-2 as they gave Perry such loving and amazing care!

Perry's celebration of life will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, on November 20, 2026 with visitation at 10:30am, mass at 11:30am, followed by lunch.

Interment will occur at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Pinky Swear Foundation that helps families with children fighting cancer: https://pinkyswear.org/.