Bradley Michael Knapp met unexpected tragedy when he passed away on June 6, 2024, at 46 years old.  He was a treasured son, devoted father, admired older brother, and steadfast friend to the innumerable people blessed to know him.  Born April 3, 1978, to Michael Glenn and Karen Knapp (maiden name Diehl), Brad was an avid Boilermaker fan growing up in Lafayette attending Jefferson High School as a standout scholar-athlete playing basketball and baseball that preceded his 2001 Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.   Brad loved spending time with family and friends at Wrigley Field for Cubs games, playing pickup sports, boating on the lake, and was frequently found at the Purdue tailgate scene.  His sense of humor and antics were unmatched and Brad’s personality didn’t make him the life of the party…. he was the party.

The chemistry knowledge gained from his academics and 23 year career as an engineer coupled with his creativity to spark a passion for concocting beer flavors using homebrew kits.  This desire and years of trial and error culminated in realization of a life dream with the creation of Knapptronix Brewing Company in October 2021.  His enthusiasm for craft brewing was evident to anyone who talked to him, but it can’t compare to the adoration in Brad’s heart for his four amazing children: Caleb, Aubrey, Paloma, and Palmer.  He cherished attending school events, athletics, and the time he had with each of them.  Anyone that knows Brad understands there exists no obstacle too difficult to overcome or sacrifice too great to make for one of his children.

Brad is survived by so many who love and miss him and remains alive in their hearts forever: his son Caleb Knapp; three daughters Aubrey Knapp, Paloma Knapp, and Palmer Knapp; mother Karen McKinney; stepfather James McKinney; younger brother Ryan Knapp with sister-in-law Gretchen, nephew Easton, and niece Marlee; youngest brother Adam McKinney; and life partner Lindsay Nation.