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Monday, March 31, 2008
Roger Knapp dies at 48 in Florida
BY BUSINESS RECORD STAFF
Roger Knapp died on Sunday in Sarasota, Fla., as a result of complications from an aortic aneurysm. He was 48 years old. Knapp, who grew up in Des Moines, was the son of William C. and Irene Knapp.
After graduating from college in 1982, Knapp played on the professional tennis tour for several years and ranked among the top 100 players in the world. He led the men's tennis program at Drake University as head coach from 1989 to 1993.
Knapp served as a director of Knapp Properties Inc. until his death. He was an investor in many of the Knapp family real estate holdings in Central Iowa. Knapp was a Florida resident for the past 13 years.
He had two daughters: Sable, 18, lives in Des Moines, and Montana, 16, attends school in California. In addition, he is survived by his life partner, Ms. Kem Lindsay, and his sister, Ginny Haviland, who lives in West Des Moines.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Dunn's Funeral Home on Grand Avenue. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Posted: Sunday, March 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Kevin Anderson
I grew up in a house behind Roger's and we went out for Halloween together when we were young and played Little League Baseball together. Great guy who "bageled me" in tennis, but who I hit a home run off of in baseball when he "slipped" while pitching.
Posted: Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Article comment by:
JK
There has not been a day go by "and never will be" that I don't think about you cuz.
Posted: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Article comment by:
Kelly Martin Hunscher
I met Roger when I guided he and his family down the Green River in Utah. I very much enjoyed Roger, his father and brother in law. I kept in touch with Roger for a while when he attended USC and would occasionally fly in from Colorado to see him play tennis. I am very sorry to hear of his death. He was such a gentleman and had a very kind soul.
Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Janet & Jim Bristow
Dear Friends of Roger.
Back in the late 80's we housed Roger while he played in the Brandermill Satelite Tennis tournament just outside of Richmond, Va. He arrived one Sunday afternoon and he went to our little church that evening with us. It was all very informal and he spoke a moment to the few gathered. We grew to love him in that week, where he made the finals in doubles. It was always a treat for our 3 children the week of that tournament, and I would let them "skip" school to attend as long as they were all caught up and they were. On the day our oldest son, Jami, took off, we watched Roger play a match. His serve was awsome, but what I remember about that match was how the guy he played, ripped him off of an ace and claimed he wasn't ready. Roger didn't say or do anything. He was a wonderful sportsman. He lost that match but taught me and our son a valuable lesson in sportsmanship. Though we lost contact over the years and because we too are in Florida and I get a Tennis magazine published here. I read the article this afternoon and couldn't believe it was the same Roger until I read this article on the website. Our deepest condolences to his family. But, I know where he is! He is no doubt, in Glory with our Lord! Sincerely, Janet Bristow
Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Andy Gordon
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Roger. I had the good fortune to play him in the finals of the CIF in my younger years and as well when he was at USC. Always shared a laugh, was a great competitor, and the finest of sportsman. One of the good guys!! Best Wishes to all the family.
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