John Francis Knaup

John Francis Knaup, 89, of Jackson, Missouri passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 at the Lutheran Home. He was born March 16, 1936 in Cape Girardeau son of John and Clara Stehr Knaup. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1954. He attended Southeast Missouri State University for two years, then graduated with an agriculture degree from University of Missouri at Columbia in 1962. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957. He owned Knaup Greenhouses in Jackson, Missouri till 1998 when he retired. He was known for his mum patch, spring flowers and tomato plants. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, where he served as an usher and head of Social Ministry with his wife. John and his wife, Ann won Notre Dame's Bob Miller award for outstanding contribution to the booster club. He was involved with Saint Francis Medical Center Perpetual Adoration for 25 years and made Cursillo. He was a member of Cape Jaycees and Knights of Columbus in Cape and Jackson. John and Billy Joe Swan coached basketball at Immaculate Conception during the 70's till 1981. He and Dolores Ann Jarosik were married June 10, 1961 at St Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. Survivors include his wife, Ann Knaup of Jackson; two sons, Todd (Gail) Knaup of Cape Girardeau and Andrew (Angie) Knaup of Bonne Terre, Missouri; five daughters, Michelle Knaup Rogers of Bonne Terre, Missouri, Susan (John) Dirnberger of Oran, Missouri; Amy Knaup (James Grounds) of Hayward, Wisconsin, Allison Knaup of Saint Louis, Missouri and Sarah (Brad) Kroll of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; 17 grandchildren, Isabel Knaup, Sydney Stein (Steven) Craze, Joshua Rogers, Matt Rogers, Melissa Rogers, Timothy Rogers, SSGT Dylan Rogers, Sam Rogers, Erica (Sammy) Santora, Brittany Dirnberger, Courtney Dirnberger, Andrea (Daniel) James, Anthony Knaup, Rowan Grounds, Helen Grounds, Aiden Kroll and Zoe Kroll; and three great-grandchildren, Carter Santora, Ella Santora and Everleigh James. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard (Jody) Knaup; sister, Marjorie (AD) Taylor; and a great-grandchild, Mia Santora. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Jackson, with Rosary and Parish Prayers beginning at 7:00 pm.. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to Immaculate Conception Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

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John Francis Knaup

March 16, 1936 - August 11, 2025