Gretchen M. Knapp

Gretchen M. Knapp (nee Meyer, Hatzel) age 94. Gretchen was born July 26, 1924 in Mablevale Arkansas to Lena Clay and George Burnett Meyer. She passed away December 23, 2018. Graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1945 she continued to Drexel University for Masters work. She married the late Lester Kaiser Hatzel on September 6, 1945, re-married to Stephen Knapp on July 30, 1960 and they were married for 47 years. She was a dietitian for the Philadelphia School System, created the first Foodservice training program for the Job Corps in Cleveland, writing the curriculum and taught the Foodservice program at Normandy High School and Home Economics at Valley Forge in Parma. Co-owned the Culinary Cupboard a gourmet cooking store and school. During retirement in Arkansas she led a committee to transform a book swap program into an official extension of the Arkansas Public Library System in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. Gretchen was an amazing woman and focused on learning for herself, her family and everyone she encountered. She worked as a professional dietician, teacher, entrepreneur, radio show cooking expert and author. Lover of politics, pinochle, bridge, travel and art. She played golf and tennis. Most of all, Gretchen loved her family and has left us all a legacy of graciousness, kindness and fun. Her voice will always be with us. Gretchen is the loving mother of Sharon Kay Hatzel (Earl Francis) Cynthia Diane Karger (nee Hatzel) (Allen); dear grandmother of Phillip Allen Karger (Sarah), Meredith Hope Davis (nee Karger) (Anthony), Stephanie Jasmine Hatzel-Treat (deceased), and Cameron Afton Hatzel (Emily); great grandmother of Evelyn and Abagail Karger, Grant and Eli Davis, William and Louise Hatzel; sister of Connie Meyer (Mary), Ted Meyer (Mary Sue) George Meyer (deceased), Linda Timar (John, deceased), and Dove Ann Beitz (Samuel, deceased); aunt and cousin of many. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be sent to National Celiac Association, 20 Pickering St., Needham, Mass., 02492. Services were held in Ohio. Cremation by Busch Crematory (440)842-7800 www.buschcares.com.