Barbara Jean Knapp Obituary – The Des Moines Register

Barbara Jean Knapp, lovingly known as “Barbie”, lost her 12-year battle with leukemia on November 5th, 2023 in Grimes, Iowa. Barb was born in Rockford, Illinois on February 7th, 1952, to Art and Jean Bennett.

She was the youngest of three siblings: following her brother, Jim and sister, Bev. She had an idyllic childhood growing up in Rockford. She attended Guilford High School where along with other activities, she was a cheerleader. It’s not surprising to those who knew her that she was once a cheerleader since she was known to lift everyone up in life with her bubbly personality.

Barb remained very close to her dear high school friends. After high school graduation, Barb headed to Des Moines to attend Drake University. Her path in college soon was altered, when one day she walked into Bodin Van Dorns, a neighborhood clothing store, and met a handsome young salesman: Bob Knapp. He proceeded to sweep her off her feet, even after their first dates were spent delivering pigs from the back of his pickup truck and him spilling a pitcher of beer on her at Mama Lacona’s. After a short courtship, they were married on November 24, 1971. Barb and Bob were the consummate couple who loved to entertain, relishing their many friendships. They were blessed with four children: Brian, Bradie, BJ and Bailey. Brian was born with eye complications which resulted in blindness. Barb met this challenge with love and patience and at times with a much-needed sense of humor. Barb lit up the room with her smile. She was beautiful in every sense of the word; easily remembered by her red hair and freckles. She had an infectious laugh and was the happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Many friendships flourished within the confines of Birthday Club, Investment Club and Book Club. Barb was active for many years in a tennis group, where she made lifelong friends. Bob and Barb were active members of Hyperion Field Club where Barb was able to share her many talents helping with her children’s activities and other club events. She was a member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church/The Bridge. One of her most rewarding endeavors was to model with a group of gals for special events around the metro area. Later in life, a close group of friends started meeting at the Greenbriar in Johnston on Wednesday nights to talk, share and laugh. Also enjoying hours-long lunches with her many friends. During her journey with cancer, these gatherings became her lifeline and support. Even if she wasn’t feeling well, she would show up with a smile on her face. Barb had an uncanny knack for memorizing the dates of birthdays. She could recall them in one sitting, much to the delight of her friends. No one loved a celebration more than Barb. Barb loved to travel and made many precious memories in Jamaica, Palm Desert, Colorado, Florida and her beloved Lake Panorama.

Barb enjoyed creating a warm and cozy home, using lots of black and white in her decor along with her beautiful collection of MacKenzie-Childs. Barb was devoted to her sweet dog, Birkley, and Birkley was devoted to Barb. She was the perfect buddy and lap partner. There is no doubt that Barb gained her greatest joy from her grandchildren. She lovingly referred to them as her kiddos. In addition to dealing with cancer, Barb had two other tragic losses in her adult life when Brian died at the age of 14 from leukemia and the loss of Bob in 2014. She dealt with both with a steadfast faith and grace. The family would like to thank Dr Daniel Buroker for his tender care of Barb, her dear friends who stayed by her side during her stay in Omaha and Unity Point Hospice that made it possible to spend her last days at home surrounded by her family.

Barb leaves behind three children: Bradie (Nate) Weeter, BJ (Carrie) Knapp and Bailey Knapp. Her grandchildren, Jolee and Jaden Weeter and Kelsie, Emory and Lydia Knapp and the extended families of the Remsburgs and Weeters. Her brother Jim Bennett (Rockford), sister-in-law Kathy Knapp (Houston) and brother-in-law Rich Ebens (Colorado) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Bev Ebens, her son, Brian, Bob and sister-in-law Debbie Knapp Frisk.

In accordance with Barbs’ wishes, burial will be in Glendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2023 at The Bridge Church, 10025 NW 62nd Ave., Johnston, Iowa. Visitation will follow at Trostel’s Greenbriar, 5810 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Iowa until 5:00 p.m.