Joseph G. `Joe` Knoop
Joseph G. `Joe` Knoop
Joseph Gerard “Joe” Knoop, age 55, of Oak Grove, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a warrior who never complained and maintained a can-do attitude throughout his incredible 5-year fight against cancer.
Joe was born September 5, 1968, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Harlan and Jolene (Traxler) Knoop. A 1986 graduate of Baraboo High School, Joe joined the U.S. Air Force, and he served nearly nine years in posts across the U.S. and Asia. It was during his time with the USAF that he earned his certification as an electrician.
Before his honorable discharge from the military, Joe reconnected with his high-school sweetheart, Lizabeth “Libby” Playman. They were married on May 6, 1995. They settled in the Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo area, where they welcomed their two children, Jonah and Lauren. In 2003, Joe was recruited by a Minneapolis company to join its electrical estimating division as an MEP Engineer. He later joined Hunt Electric, where he spent the past 10 years, most recently as the Chief Estimator. Joe loved his company, co-workers, and job almost as much as he loved his family.
Joe loved big, laughed big, and was always looking for an opportunity to show his goofy side. A true prankster, he mastered the art of rubber-band shooting. Getting a rubber band shot your way from across the room was truly a badge of honor. He also loved to playfully engage in a story, share a joke or two, make a goofy face, or don some sort of outrageous costume to make people smile.
As a teenager, Joe learned to cook at Mr. Pancake Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells, and cooking became a lifelong passion. He loved to explore new recipes or fire up the grill to impress his family and friends with his culinary skills. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, music, and chatting (or singing) with friends over his favorite beverage.
Joe will be deeply missed by his parents Harley (Mary) Knoop and Jolene (Bill) Crowley; wife Libby; children Jonah and Lauren Knoop; brothers Tom (Liz) and Mike (Lisa) Knoop; sister Teri (Lonnie) Roth; grandson Jonah Knoop, Jr.; nieces Emily (Jeremy) Olson, Lucy Kimball; nephews, Charles Knoop and Jimmy (Vicki) Kimball, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Essie Knoop and Eugene and Josie Traxler; brother, James Knoop; and in-laws, Robert and Betty Playman.
Friends may visit on Saturday, April 6, 2024, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo, Wisconsin. There will be brief blessing and prayer service at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Garrett Kau presiding. Following the service, Military Honors will be provided by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard at the funeral home.
In lieu of plants and flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Joe Knopp Family.
The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences
Frederick Brooks March 28, 2024
Friend of the family Mulberry , Florida
So sorry for your loss
Betty L Krueger March 28, 2024
Classmate of his parents Baraboo , Wisconsin
I"m so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and loved ones.
Alaina Linn March 28, 2024
Family Friend Milaca , Minnesota
The most beautiful love I have ever seen. An Epic Love. My heart is with you.all Libby, please call me when you are ready. I am always here. Libby Jonah, Lauren, and Jonah Jr., I am sending all my love and condolences for your loss. The loss of an amazing guy.
Frederick Klein March 28, 2024
None Mauston 539 , Wisconsin
So sorry for the families loss that age is just to young
Karla (Maas) Vale March 28, 2024
Classmate/Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Joe and I grew up in the same neighborhood for awhile and went to school together. Always a great guy. Rest in peace, Joe. Prayers to the family.
Lori Hunkins March 29, 2024
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I loved you both ? Almost 30 years together & I still remember being your bridesmaid. I knew he was the one for you.. and you followed him to new jobs & experiences, grandparents, and thru his 5 yr battle with the "f-ing) Cancer... You were his rock at the end.. You both gave so much to each other: I am so sorry it had to end this way. He is watching over you from Heaven.. remember that this 1st EASTER without him by your side ???? love you, Lori
Angie haller March 29, 2024
Neighbor Baraboo , Wisconsin
So very sorry for your loss Jolene. He was one of the many kids in our neighborhood. There were about 35 playing outside all the time. I think the 3rd and 4th avenue kids had a great time. No kids around anymore. No stay at home moms. I am thinking of you. Angie
Randy Reinfeldt March 29, 2024
Friend Las Vegas , Nevada
I’d like to extend my sincere condolences to Joes family and friends. I was a classmate and lifelong friend of Joes. He was one of the funniest classmates I had and I have so many memories of him both from high school and growing up on the West Side by Joe. Until we meet again Joe please rest easy now that you are free from the pain of that horrible illness. I will cherish the memories of you to help me through. You and Jim are now free to play pranks on each other in Heaven.
Barb Playman March 29, 2024
Cousin by marriage Portage , Wisconsin
I am so sad to hear of Joe's passing. My heart goes out to all of you. I pray for comfort for all of the family and friends who mourn his passing. I did not know Joe well, but I can tell by his wonderful obituary that I missed the pleasure of knowing such a wonderful husband, father, and friend. God Bless you all!
Karen and Dale Holzl March 30, 2024
Friend Mauston , Wisconsin
Prayers for you and your family.
Michael Plumedahl April 01, 2024
Hunt Electric Minneapolis , Minnesota
Condolences to the Knoop Family. Joe was a joy to work with, always a positive, can do attitude. Prayers to Libby and the rest of the family, I know Joe will be missed by all. Mike Plumedahl
Gaylen & Vicky Livingston April 01, 2024
Co-Worker Star Prairie , Wisconsin
Joe had a heart of Gold and will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to the entire family.
Nathan Johnson April 01, 2024
Friend Stillwater , Minnesota
Very sorry for your loss. Sending love to the Knoop family during this difficult time. RIP Joe, you will be missed!
Tina (Stopper) Gebhard April 06, 2024
Childhood Neighbor Poynette , Wisconsin
To all of the Koop family from the entire Stopper family we are so very sorry for the loss of Joe! He truly was a sweet person! Hugs to you all!