Deacon Henry J. Knapp
July 24, 1946 ~ February 18, 2025
Deacon Henry Joseph Knapp, 78, of Sioux Falls, died peacefully, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital, with his family gathered around him. He was a committed, dedicated, and faithful Catholic husband, father, grandfather, friend, and deacon. Henry was always anxious to help people appreciate the real presence of Jesus in their lives. He sincerely tried to serve the Lord well in attempting to serve His people well.
Visitation will begin at 4pm, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary Immaculate Heart, Sioux Falls, with a Prayer Service at 5:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 4pm, Friday, February 21, 2025, also at the Church of St. Mary.
Henry was raised in Highland Falls, NY. After attending Catholic elementary school, high school, and college, Henry worked in the electric utility industry as an employee or consultant for some 40 years. Henry was a licensed professional engineer and occupied many responsible positions in the industry. He was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls by Bishop Paul Anderson on January 26, 1985. Henry ministered as a deacon at the Church of St. Mary in Sioux Falls and in various other areas outside the parish.
Henry will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Christine, whom he married on November 30, 1968, at St. Joseph Church, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY; his son, Michael (Catherine); his daughter, Jennifer (Reynaldo) Gonzales; four grandchildren, Noah Knapp, Gabriel Gonzales, Rachel Knapp, and Jacob Gonzales; two brothers, Robert (Linda) Knapp and George (Barbara) Knapp; and several nieces and nephews.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Henry Knapp; and his many aunts and uncles.
I am shocked and saddened to read this news about my friend Henry. I always enjoyed my visits with him as I delivered the mail. He would often be out walking his dog Buddy. Henry always greeted me with a smile. Always had kind words to say to me. He made it a point to always ask how my day was going. We would often share stories about the New York Yankees. I am a dedicated fan like him. Christine, my thoughts and prayers are with you. There will be a void in my day as I get to your neighborhood with the mail.
My Thoughts and Prayers to Christine, Jennifer, and the entire Knapp family! I’m so very sorry for your loss of Henry!
Henry was a man of conviction, order, simplicity, and love. Especially love. He is a loving and fair minded soul, and it lives on.
+J.M.J.+ May the Soul of Deacon Henry rest in peace! I celebrated Mass for his Soul’s repose. May JESUS, MARY and ST. JOSEPH comfort all who miss Deacon Henry,
My deepest simpaty to his family and friends.
I was guiding Henry ,Christine and Noah during the pilgrimage in Medugorje.
It was filled with true devotion to Our dear Mother.
Henry was a true beliver and great men.
I’m so sad because his death.
Rest in peace dear friend of Our Lady.
My family and me will always remember Your smile and kindness when You visited us with your wife and Noah.
With all my love and prayers,
Branka
Lifting up prayers for Henry and his family. Henry assisted me in becoming a Catholic and answered many questions I had while I considered doing so. May he rest in peace.