Michael Knapp, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Hawkeye Care Center after courageously fighting a seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A wake service will be held prior to the visitation at 3:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection with Very Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mike was born on April 20, 1954, in Bernard, Iowa, to William P. Knapp and Mary J. (Federspiel) Knapp-Manternach. He was a 1972 graduate of Western Dubuque High School. He married Joan M. Fangmann on July 3, 1976. Although they later parted ways, Mike and Joan remained good friends.

While working on the family farm, Mike developed a strong work ethic and acquired a variety of skills that would help in his daily life. Early on, he worked at Kucklers in Monticello, Iowa as well as John Deere and Jeld-Wen in Dubuque before joining the Air Force Reserves. After the Air Force, Mike began his career with the United States Post Office in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He eventually made his was to the Galena Post Office where he delivered mail until retirement.

Mike was hardworking, energetic and determined. When he set his mind to something, he worked hard to achieve it. This proved true during his time as a runner. Running was his passion. Having run over 120 races, his most memorable race may have been the Boston Marathon where he ran his best time. Above all, Mike loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandkids. He’d often say, “There’s nothing like being a grandpa!” Whether it was fervently cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs, enjoying a meal and sometimes a cocktail (or two), or sitting around a campfire, it was the people he was with in those moments that he kept close to his heart. He loved being with people and seemed to make friends wherever he went, likely engaging in some shenanigans along the way. Mike always knew how to have fun! While he has finished the race here on earth, the pain of missing him is eased knowing he has crossed the finish line and has won the award of eternal rest in Heaven.

Those left to honor his memory are Mike’s children, Stacey (Mike) Vorwald of Peosta, Iowa, Kevin (Melanie) Knapp of Lake Zurich, Illinois and their mother, Joan Knapp of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Owen, Robyn, Olivia, Cole, Adalynn, Ella, and Stella; six siblings, Rick (Mary) Knapp of Asbury, Iowa, Kayla (Mike) Melloy of Coralville, Iowa, Kenny (Kim) Knapp of Fayette, Iowa, Tom (Al Martin) of Miami, Florida, Lori Lust of Estero, Florida, and Beth (Tom) Duccini of Dubuque, Iowa; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary and his step-father, Orland “Bub” Manternach.

The family of Mike would like to express immense gratitude to Dr. Carr and his team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for their care and support during this seven-year journey. As a result, he was able to meet two more grandchildren, attend countless sporting events, run another race, and frequently dine at his favorite restaurants, undoubtedly enjoying a slice of pie with each visit. We’d also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Hospice of Dubuque team, with a special thank you to Buffy for her care and compassion during this very difficult time.