WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Christenea S. Knapp (Butler), age 73, born on January 18, 1953, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, following a 3 year battle with cancer.
Christenea was raised by her Grandparents/Bestfriends Kathryn and Erwin Burritt in Coldwater. She graduated in 1971 and worked for a close family friend at several different locations for 11 years.
In 1982 Christenea moved to Sturgis, and in 1987 met the love of her life, Alva D. Knapp Jr. They married in December of 1989.
In 1992 Christenea accepted a position as the Lead CSM and helped open the Sturgis Wal-Mart.
The family moved to Las Vegas in 1994 and Christenea worked as a Cage Cashier.
In 1995 Christenea was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the family moved back to Sturgis. She enjoyed sewing, puzzles, horse racing, loved the Lord’s Prayer and was an avid Notre Dame fan.
Christenea is survived by her husband Alva, 3 Children, Jason Knapp, James (Erica) Knapp and Amy (Jack) Woods. 2 Grandchildren, Cheyanne and Kaya. 5 Siblings and several nieces and nepehws.
Christenea was preceded in death by her mother Marilyn Schaffer, Father Emmett Butler, Grandparents, Kathryn and Erwin Burritt, and brother, Ray Butler. Cremation will take place and burial will be at Sturgis Memorial Gardens at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the family, envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Home in Sturgis.
