Larry J. "Pete" Knop

Age 81 of Verona, Illinois, died Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, Illinois.

Born April 12, 1945 in Shumway, Illinois, Larry James was a son of Clarence and Lillian (Correll) Knop. He was raised and educated in Mazon, Illinois, and later served in the United States Army from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1970. On November 18, 1972, Larry married Sharon Lee Jones at the Ritchey United Methodist Church, and together they raised their family in Verona. He worked for RR Donnelly in Dwight for over 30 years until he formally retired.

While living in Verona, Larry often worked as a farmhand for the surrounding farms in his community and was a member of the Grundy County Farm Bureau. He was a great fan of stock car racing and regularly attended races at the former Mazon Speedway and the Grundy County Speedway on Friday nights. Larry's greatest passion was horseshoe pitching. He was a long-time member of the Illinois Horseshoe Pitcher's Association, was a five-time Illinois State Champion, and was inducted into the Illinois Horseshoe Pitcher's Hall of Fame in 2007. Larry also enjoyed bowling leagues at Echo Lanes in Morris and was a great fan of Western films.

He had a great sense of humor that would keep up with the best of them, a talent that was with him until his final days. Above all else, Larry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who passed along many important lessons to his family. He was a truly great man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his five children: Chuck (Marcy) Hood of Morris, Illinois, Venita Hood (Brenda Barnhart) of Yorkville, Illinois, Mitzi (Robert) Anderson of Morris, Illinois, Ellen (Paul) Page of Ottawa, Illinois, and Jami Knop of Verona, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren: Tim Hood, Ashley Hood (fiancé: Roman Lytovchenko), Carley Hood, Hayley Hood, Steffani (John) Bearden, Alexandra Anderson, Katelyn (John Lilly) Anderson, Donielle Anderson, Elizebeth Knop, Rebecca Page, David Page, Isabella Benson, and Brianna Benson; six great grandchildren: Nico, Arianna, Matthew, Michael, Piper, and Kieran; two brothers and three sisters: Elvera (the late Russell) Merkel, Nancy (the late Marty) Armstrong, Mary Lou (the late Jimmy) Walker, Rich (the late Wanda Bertoglio) Knop, and Mike (Launa Johnson) Knop; one brother-in-law, Vance (Judi) Jones, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon Knop, on February 16, 2022; one brother: Eddie (Donna) Knop and one sister: Angie Jewett; his granddaughter, Brittany, and two great-granddaughters: Mia and Madison.

Per Larry's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 4:00 p.m. A private inurnment with full military honors will be held at Wesley Cemetery in Rural Wilmington, where Larry will be laid to rest with his wife, Sharon.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Larry’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)