Evan Knapp, 88, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday evening, March 8, 2023 at Careage Hills Nursing Home in Cherokee, Iowa. Evan was born on December 9, 1934 to Russell and Esther Knapp at LeMars, Iowa. He graduated from LeMars Central High School in 1953. He then attended Westmar College in LeMars. He lettered all four years in football and track and graduated with a degree in education in 1957. After college, he moved to Cherokee, where he taught 8th grade for the next 35 years. During those 35 years, he taught Civics, American History, and Physical Education. He also coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track. After school hours, he was involved in officiating football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and sang in the choir and played in the bell choir. He was also a member of the Cherokee Lions Club. Evan retired from teaching in 1992, but continued to officiate and was a starter for junior high and high school track meets until 2006. Evan was recognized throughout his career by several professional groups including the Iowa Association of Track Officials being the State Official of the Year in 2005; IHSAA for 50 years as an active official in 2006. He was inducted into the Iowa Association of Track Officials Hall of Fame in 2007, Cherokee Tomahawk Relays Honorary Referee in 2003, and Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame County Winner in 1996 and he received the Iowa Football Coaches Association Don Taft Memorial Award in 1975. Evan’s love of history and the Civil War took him on a new journey after teaching where he presented interactive programs to schools and communities along with his wife, Nancy as “the Civil War Soldier.” He also cherished golf, hunting, fishing, and of course, participating in Civil War reenactments across the Midwest. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy, and a sister, Marilyn. Evan is survived by his son, Doug (Cyndy) Knapp of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and their children, Marcus (Julie) Knapp and Rachelle Knapp; daughter, Heidi (Chuck) Howlett of Geneva, Illinois and their children, Charlie (Ashleigh) Howlett and Alyssa Howlett; stepdaughters, Sally Everhart (Mike Martens) of Leawood, Kansas and Sue (Jared) Sauer of Lanark, Illinois and their sons, Daniel and Ryan; four great grandchildren, Harrison, Hudson, and Brooklyn Howlett, and Liliana Knapp; sister and brother-in-law, Marcella and Gary Miller. Private family services will be held on Saturday morning, April 8, 2023 at the Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa. Pastor Michael Agnew will officiate. A Celebration of Life for the public will be on Saturday afternoon, April 8thfrom1:30p.m.–4p.m. at Danny’s Sports Spot in Cherokee. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. All guests are invited to share a story and drink a toast to Evan. Visitation for the public will be on Friday, April 7th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa. Online condolences may be left www. boothbyfuneral.com In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
