Obituary of Gordon Ivan Knapp

Gordon Ivan Knapp, 97, of Honesdale, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Annaliese (Vaihinger) Knapp. They were married on June 16, 1956. Born April 7, 1928 in Aldenville, Gordon was the son of the late George Knapp and Bessie (Knorr) Knapp, and grew up on the family farm in Aldenville. He began attending Penn State University at 16 years of age, having skipped two grades of school, and received his undergraduate degree in Business, he also received a Master’s Degree in Education at SUNY New Paltz. Gordon was a Veteran of the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. Gordon worked as a public school teacher for 15 years in New York and Pennsylvania. He was later employed as an insurance agent with Tuscarora-Wayne Mutual Insurance Company and proudly served on their Board of Directors. Gordon was active with the following: Member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 50-Year Member of Honesdale Lodge 218 F&AM, Past High Priest of Anthony-Wayne Royal Arch Chapter 204, Past Member of Irem Temple Wayne-Pike Shrine Club, Past President of Honesdale Rotary Club, Director of Human Resource Center, Member of the Penn State Alumni Association, and Tutor with the Wayne County Adult Literacy Program. He was also a member of a social group that called themselves “The Straw Hatters” and with them enjoyed many baseball games. Gordon thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings including the Annual Reunion at Central House in Beach Lake. He and Annaliese were blessed to travel to many beautiful locations over the years, Hawaii being their favorite. You couldn’t find a more devoted Penn State Football fan. Gordon and Annaliese often spoke of attending the 1987 Fiesta Bowl when Penn State defeated Miami for the National Championship! Gordon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. He also developed many close friendships with his church family. Surviving are two daughters, Laura (Knapp) Ruddy and her husband Sean of Lake Ariel, and Lisa (Knapp) Hutchison and her husband Bruce of Bethany; three grandchildren, Julie Hutchison and her partner Justen Ganson, James Hutchison, and Shane Ruddy; four great-grandchildren Quenten, Nataly, Mykaela, and Camren Ganson; and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Robert Knapp, and two sisters Jean Bowen and Carol Williams. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 10-11 AM at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 107 7th St., Honesdale, with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM with Rev. Adam Reinhardt officiating. The family would like to express their thanks for the tender loving care Gordon received at both Bethany Village and most recently at Ellen Memorial. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, Office of Philanthropy, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140. Arrangements attended to by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, Honesdale.