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Judy Knapp
Judy Knapp was one of Mater Dei’s greatest supporters. Judy was very visible and animated in her Wildcat Red & Gold attire at so many MD events, be it rooting for her own childrens’ teams or to cheer all MD teams. Judy initiated the cat paw auto decals, the first of their type in our community, as an athletic fundraiser. She and husband, Ed, donated their personal Red and Gold van for use by teams, coaches, and for all-school academic endeavors, the “Judy-van” piled on nearly 300,000 miles and was used for well over a decade. Other items given generously included office furniture, MD shirts for coaches, and monetary support for so many MD groups. Judy’s outgoing personality was ‘happy’, her attitude was contagious. She went above and beyond, and she made a difference. The MD community has deep appreciation for Judy, Ed, and the Knapp family. While we all miss Judy, one must believe that somehow she willed some red & gold pom poms to heaven and that she is leading cheers for another great fanbase for the Wildcats.”
Mike Goebel ‘70
The following was taken from Judy’s Obituary in the Courier & Press
The late Judy (Seibert) Knapp was a proud 1960 graduate of Mater Dei High School. She served as the school’s clerk her senior year and its biggest fan for the rest of her life. Her Mater Dei friends, of every generation, meant the world to her.
The most special of her Mater Dei relationships became her lifelong love and best friend, Edward Knapp, who she married in June 1966. Her heart and energy were always poured into the lives of her children: Eddie ‘85 Miranda Graham ‘88, Alex Rodman ‘91, Anthea Turner ‘96 and David’ 02.
With her amazing example of raising children, her six children blessed her with 20 grandchildren. Endless dancing, homemade candy, seashell walks, front yard football games and plenty of hugs are just a few of the ways she was easily the best Mamaw/Juju for Austin and Hayden Knapp, Remy and Millie Graham; Charlie, Adley and Gus Rodman; Abe, Carver, Daniel, Daisy, Adelaide and Grace Knapp; Bella and Seby Turner; and Kayla, Josh, Liam, Grayland and Marlee Knapp.
Her tombstone is simply engraved with “For God, Country, Family and Mater Dei.” Always wearing her signature red and gold, she dedicated her life to making sure everyone at Mater Dei had the most amazing experience by encouraging them to get involved and by being their biggest fan at every event. She also always made sure her 1960 classmates knew how much they were loved and needed for every class reunion.
Ed and Judy established the Seibert-Knapp Family Endowment to provide tuition assistance for students for generations to come. Her legacy lives on through her generosity from this endowment as well as through her husband Ed, her children, and grandchildren. Contributions can still be made in Judy’s honor to the Seibert-Knapp Family Endowment by visiting the Mater Dei website and submitting a gift online or by mail to 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN 47720. 17
