George L. Knoppe Obituary
George Leo Knoppe, age 83, of Madison Heights, passed away February 9, 2021.
Beloved husband of Barbara (née Forster), to whom he was married for over 62 years. Loving father of Sabrina (John G.) Fodera, George (Robin), Thomas, Michele (James) McLauchlan, the late Joseph, and Corinne (Christopher) Bilkie. Proud grandfather of Andrea, Benjamin, Derrick, Lillian, Barbara, Danielle, Thomas, Brittney, Audrey, Shawn, Stephen, Caitlin, Hannah, Emily, Grace, Addy, Jeffrey, Joseph; and great-grandfather of Benjamin, Gabrielle, Devin, Evelyn, Benjamin, Griffin, Evelynn, and Caleb. Dear brother of Bernard "Roe," John, and Judy Baldridge. Predeceased by his parents, George and Leota; and his other siblings: Mary "Adeline" Hill, William, and Steven.
In his youth, George sang in the church choir, and as a young man taught catechism. He was also an usher and a member of Knights of Columbus. He always enjoyed politics and was an easy conversationalist, as he was well read and often listened to others' thoughts and opinions. Later in life and until he was no longer able, George volunteered at Grace Hospice - Troy.
George would be best described as a nature lover. He loved spending time in the woods, sightseeing throughout the Upper Peninsula, and both watching and feeding birds. Closer to home in earlier years, he enjoyed keeping bees and raising his own chickens, geese, and ducks, along with the occasional goat and pig. He also raised pheasant for the State of Michigan.
Rounding out his interests, George was also an avid reader. George loved to learn about the health benefits of food and different ways to prepare meals. He enjoyed going to the markets for fresh produce and liked trying tastes from around the world. He was skilled at curing and canning various foods, such as hams, sausages, kimchi, bacon, and mushrooms. And it's fair to say that George was into organic gardening years before it was the cool thing to do. He knew much about nature because he loved it and loved life.
Perhaps most of all though, George enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially loved his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved taking his family on yearly vacations, as well as fishing and hunting while they were growing up, and more recently he enjoyed visiting family both close to home in Michigan and down in Florida. He enjoyed kids and played along when children thought he was Santa when he was out in public. George was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed.
Visitation will take place Saturday, February 13, from 2 - 6 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Additional visitation will take place on Sunday, February 14, from 1:00 p.m., until time of service, 3:00 p.m.
