Peter Knoop, Sr.'s Obituary
Peter Stephen Knoop, 76, passed away peacefully on October 23 following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.Pete was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 17, 1941 to Kathleen and Nelson Knoop. Following his graduation from Drake University and his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, he settled to Nashville, TN. At the end of an otherwise unsuccessful sales call, he had a fateful encounter with Judy Wilkes, who soon became his wife and the unparalleled love of Pete’s lifetime.Pete and Judy resettled to Memphis, TN in 1969 to begin his new career as a Financial Advisor. He joined Morgan Keegan/Raymond James in 1975, where he earned the respect of his colleagues for his quiet competence and unshakeable integrity.Pete’s interests were varied but consistent in the intensity with which he pursued them. His passion for running and tennis provided great enjoyment and, more importantly, served as the foundation for many lasting friendships. Pete enjoyed traveling with Judy and their family, taking particular delight in exploring new restaurants and indulging in the occasional libation. He loved music. He loved reading. Strangely enough, he loved practicing the German language. But most of all, he loved Judy. Indeed, Pete’s steadfast devotion to his “Judy-girl” while she fought the clutches of Alzheimer’s disease was particularly inspirational to his friends and family.Pete will be warmly remembered for his teasing smile, his childlike enthusiasm, and his generosity to others. Out of respect for Pete’s disdain for obsequiousness, his family will not remember Pete’s occasional stubbornness or his questionable decision to grow a ponytail while in his sixties quite as favorably.Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, and his parents.He is survived by his children, Peter Knoop, Jr. (Kim) of Chattanooga, TN and Jennifer Sullivan (Calvin) of Memphis, TN; sisters Sue Lightbody (Tom) and Kiki Wilson, both of Ocala, FL; brother Mark Conrad (Margo) of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren Vitaliy Knoop, Stella Knoop, and Rocco Knoop of Chattanooga, TN and Burr Sullivan and Wilkes Sullivan of Memphis.The family will receive visitors from 2:30 to 4:00 on Saturday, October 28 at Memorial Park, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119 followed by a memorial service at 4:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pete’s name may be directed to Autism Speaks.
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