Barbara Knapp

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Brown Knapp, who left this world on November 23, 2025 at the age of 64. She was a wife and caregiver, mother, daughter, and friend whose life was marked by both deep love and difficult challenges.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Loyal and Marian Brown, she resided there through young adulthood, and on May 26, 1984, married Steven Knapp. Steve and Barb then lived for a brief time in Ohio and Colorado before landing in Lino Lakes, Minnesota where they raised their family, son Jeff and daughter Michelle. One of her favorite activities was watching the birds, deer and other wildlife in their beautiful backyard. Barb was active with her church, First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and had a big heart and passion for supporting youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Throughout her life, Barb faced much internal conflict, that, at times, strained her relationships. Yet even in those times, her humanity remained—she was resilient, she was loving, and she never stopped trying to find her way forward. Her journey reminds us that every life is complex, and that compassion and understanding are essential qualities every individual should strive to embody.

Barb will be remembered not only for her struggles, but for her laughter, her warmth, and the lessons she taught about empathy and perseverance. Her children carry forward the love she gave, imperfect but real, and the hope that her story will inspire greater openness and kindness toward those facing similar battles.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Loyal and Marian Brown. She is survived by her husband Steve, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, son Jeff Knapp (Ashley), grandchildren Olivia and Thea, daughter Michelle Knapp (Nolan Bailey), and brothers Paul Brown (Cindy King) and Bob Brown (Lisa).

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 12 at First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake, 4821 Bloom Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations supporting mental health awareness and addiction recovery, in honor of her life and the challenges she faced.

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