Suzette Knapp

It’s not the outcome of the race, it’s the fact that you ran….

God needed more cookies in Heaven and has called Suzette Knapp of Lake City home.  With her battle against cancer over, she earned her wings on April 21, 2019. She was 67.  Suz was born to David and Jeanette Sarazin in Wayne County, MI.  Her family moved to the Lake City area in 1962.  Prior to this, she had lived in the Detroit area and in eastern Kentucky.

Suz graduated from Lake City High School in June 1970. 

This was a month after marrying her soulmate, John Knapp on May 1 in a private ceremony outside of Lake City.  Friends and family alike know that where there was music, you could find this couple clearing the dance floor.  Many will remember how they loved to dance at Taffletown                                                                             

Suz worked for Bohning Archery from Feb 1980 until her diagnosis in Mar 2008.  She derived a great sense of satisfaction in her employment there.  Her final position at Bohning was in Procurement, a job she succeeded in due to being hardnosed for the company interests but keeping it fair for her suppliers.  Co-workers and outside venders alike will remember her daily “thoughts for the day”.

In 1989, she received her black belt in TaeKwonDo and took great reverence with this accomplishment.  Bone pain eventually prevented further participation in martial arts.  Many were aware of her compassion for animals; domesticated or wild.  She referred to them as her “baybeez”.  Her love of cats and being a “pet guardian” were admired.  Her deep passion for football was well known as she firmly stated “my 2 favorite teams are the Lions and whoever’s  playing against the Cowboys”.  Her Grandchildren knew who she was talking of when she said “cheaters!”  Suz loved to bake and many times said “I owe cookies to so many”.  Though never rich or famous, she did possess “very precious” grandkids and taught them well in the art of “cookies”.

Her passion for Trojan Football was made even greater by her Grandson Nate Knapp being a part of the well remembered 2017-2018 Regional Champions.

Her cancer diagnosis changed life for her family in many ways.  They learned to live each day with courage.  Suz and soulmate John enjoyed cruising, whether it was in her Challenger or

his Mustangs.  Many miles were shared with each other on Northern  Michigan roads.  They enjoyed a lot of time with vacations in the U.P. 

John was her navigator through life to include many trips to Detroit for clinical trials, marrow transplants and all other travels in general

She is survived by her soulmate John, loving sons:  Gregg of Wyoming  and Mick (Lori) of Lake City and mother, Jeanette Ide.  She leaves 2 grandchildren who were the love of her life:  Nathaniel John and Wynter Lizabeth.  Though no longer on this earth, she knows they will always feel her love.  Surviving brothers are Charles (Mendy) Sarazin of Lake City; Rick Heck of Lucas;Tim Heck of Battle Creek; Bill (Marsha) Heck of Tipp City OH and Harry Heck of Cadillac, along with multiple nieces and nephews.  Though not by birth, Esther Burruss, Judy Shetenhelm and Helen Wagner were cherished as sisters.  Suz will be missed by special friends Karrie & Tim Loney, Larry & Cheri Griffith and Martha & Colby Johnson. 

She was preceded in death by her brother David Jr, who drowned in Lake Missaukee in 1964; her loving Aunt Kate, Stepfathers Richard Heck and Robert Ide, In Laws Lewis and Annabell Knapp , father David Sr and Aunt/Uncle Geneva & Robert Banks. 

At Suz’ request cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the Young-Holdship Funeral Home. Her Eulogy will be

delivered by family friend Larry Griffith. A time of visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until the service time.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers or other offerings; a donation be made

directly to the Missaukee Humane Society in Suz’ memory. 

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online by visiting www.Young-Holdship.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Suzette Knapp, please visit our floral store.