Renate Kunigunde (Friedrich) Knappe

Knappe, Renate

It is with profound sadness that the family announce the death of our much beloved Oma and mother, Renate Knappe on January 14, 2024.  Renate passed away peacefully at home with family nearby. Renate was born in Germany February 14, 1938 to the late Maria (Hepp) and Johann Friedrich and was the loving wife of the late Rudolf Knappe.

She is survived by her four children, Marion (Rockland) Fowler, Manfred (Lori) Knappe, Richard (Donna) Knappe, Angela Knappe (Helmut) ; 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Flowers, knitting and travelling were some of Renate’s hobbies but family gatherings and visits were top of the list for her.

Canada became Oma’s home in 1957 after marrying Rudolf in Germany. He had immigrated to Fredericton Junction in 1952 to work in the woods and lumber mills. Later he purchased the farm and proudly brought his new bride over from Germany. Without knowing English the young couple faced a steep learning curve but were welcomed and assisted by the community despite the language barrier.

A strong work ethic served her family well as she and Rudolf built a life around their dairy farm. Many remember working there during haying seasons. Although the weather was hot and the mow dusty, they would return year after year to help the hardworking farming family. There was always a friendly competition between the field crew and barn crew to see who could work faster. And when the last bale was in the mow everyone sat down to a spread of cold cuts, homemade bread, jam and PopShop pop.

Upon retirement Rudolf and Renate sold their farm and moved to a new home at “The Riley Place” nearby. After Rudolf’s passing in 2005 Renate moved again to a new home on the bank of the North Branch Oromocto River where she enjoyed building her dream garden and continued knitting numerous socks, mittens and sweaters for a growing family and life-long friends.

Along with her husband and parents, Renate was also predeceased by her nine siblings, sisters; Edelgund Wittal, Gudrun Kolley, and Edeltraud Lux and brothers; Jurgen, Rainer, Gunter, Udo, Frank and Armin Friedrich.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Renate’s memory to the Tracy United Baptist Church or to the Tracy United Baptist Church Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to the Tracy United Baptist Church for Visitation on Wednesday January 17, 2024, from 12-2pm.  The Funeral Service will follow at 2:30pm with Rev. Jim Harrison officiating.   A reception to follow in the church family centre. Interment is planned for the spring.

Arrangements are in the Professional Care of Sunbury Funeral Home, Central Blissville, NB (368-2413). Condolences:sunburyfuneralhome.com