Roger Rance Knapp, age 74 of Hysham, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the RiverStone Health Hospice Home in Billings, MT. Born on April 23, 1943 to Edgar (Buster) and Frances Knapp of Melstone, Montana, Roger attended all his school years in Melstone and received his BA degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. He taught his first year in Kenmare, ND and, after his marriage to Judi Black of Grace City, ND in June of 1966, he taught and coached in Belfry, Dodson, and Hysham schools. An historian both in and out of the classroom, he pursued his political interests by serving in the state legislature and on the county commission. Upon retiring from teaching in 1996 he continued farming and ranching on the family farm south of Melstone and was actively farming at the time of his death. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Hysham Lions Club, served on various state and local boards, and was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Jessie Ryan, niece Judy, and step-mother Viola Stewart Knapp. Surviving him are his wife Judi, daughter Rebecca of Ekalaka, son Dana of the Philippines, grandchildren Alissa, Jonathon, Cameron, and Sean—all of Ekalaka, brother Richard of Dillon, sister Ruth Coulter of Brusett, brother-in-law Jim (Mary) Ryan of Jordan, nieces and nephews, and members of the Stewart family.
Family to receive friends Thursday, September 28, from 4-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, September 29, at 11:00 AM at the Hysham High School. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Stevenson Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Interment
Following the Luncheon
Friday September 29, 2017
Cabin Creek Cemetery
Melstone, Montana 59054
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Stevenson Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Interment
Following the Luncheon
Friday September 29, 2017
Cabin Creek Cemetery
Melstone, Montana 59054
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George and Ina Haines says
Dear Judy, family and friends, George, Ina and Keith send our condolences to each and every one of you. May your memories sustain you along with God’s love for each of you.
Bill&DeniceHedges says
Dear Judy and family, Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Rogers passing. He was a real friend! Last time I saw him at the clinic for checkups he looked so good and very optimistic. May God wrap his arms around you all as you walk through the coming dark and difficult days. Prayers for all of you.
Ward Fenton says
JUDY AND All YOUR FAMILY–So sorry to hear that Roger passed away. You all have many great memories of his life and what a dedicated person he was to all of his family and community. Always leading by example. keep your heads up and may God bless you. If you need help farming or with your cattle I can come and work at any time.
Kevin and Cheryl Davis says
Judy and family. We are so very sorry to hear that Roger has passed away. We enjoyed our annual fall time together. Roger was an example of a true hard working Montanan and family man. He touched so many lives both young and old. He will truly be missed. May God Bless you and your family. If we can do anything to help please let us know
harold & belva arvik says
Dear Judy, Becky, Dana and family, Our hearts go out to each of you. We have so many wonderful memories of times shared with all of you–school events, 4-H events, early breakfasts before District Track meet, combing the hills for Range Management specimens, and especially a very special personal guided tour, by Roger, of the Custer Battlefield during a difficult time in our lives. It meant so much to us and we talk about it often. You have so many wonderful memories. Lean on the Lord. He will hold you up. And hug on each other. Lots of us are here for you if you need anything. Our love and prayers, Harold, Belva and family
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers to all of Rogers family. May you find Comfort in all of Your Memories and in GodsLove.
Dee Dee Griffith Topp says
Judy and family, Thoughts and prayers in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May God help you through the days ahead. Rolland and Dee Dee Topp
KEN K says
Judy I am so sorry to hear about Roger, always enjoyed talking to Roger and getting a laugh with his wit.
Hilaree Emmons/White Mountain says
Judi, Becky, Dana, and family — my deepest condolences to you all. So many memories of him, growing up on the farm to Christmas Eve dinner at your house and everything in between! I am celebrating the life of Roger and mourning his passing with you all. Though our words can do little, we hope our thoughts and prayers will support you through this time and always. Love and hugs — Hilaree, Joe, Tehya, Kimimila, Wawokyia
Lumber, Brett, Chi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty and Karlee says
Judi, Rebecca, Dana and family…Roger has always held a special place in my heart, as do every one of you. Summers spent living at the farm, learning to drive the wheat truck, climbing as high as Dana dared me too on the tower…haha…and who knows how many miles we walked between the house and “the rocks” through the years…all of these memories come flooding back, bringing a smile to my face and my soul. Christmas Eve was always so special, I didn’t grow up close to extended family and yours filled that void completely. I grew up with my best friend, and am honored always to have you, Roger and Judi, as my Godparents.
May the good Lord keep you close and help you find peace. Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always.
Oh gosh…remembering right now how Roger and Dad let us plant our own “field” of spring wheat in the driveway so everyone who drove in HAD to cross the cattle guard!! Dana…we sure lived the good life. <3
Kimber, Brett, Chi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty and Karlee says
Judi, Rebecca, Dana and family…Roger has always held a special place in my heart, as do every one of you. Summers spent living at the farm, learning to drive the wheat truck, climbing as high as Dana dared me too on the tower…haha…and who knows how many miles we walked between the house and “the rocks” through the years…all of these memories come flooding back, bringing a smile to my face and my soul. Christmas Eve was always so special, I didn’t grow up close to extended family and yours filled that void completely. I grew up with my best friend, and am honored always to have you, Roger and Judi, as my Godparents.
May the good Lord keep you close and help you find peace. Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always.
Oh gosh…remembering right now how Roger and Dad let us plant our own “field” of spring wheat in the driveway so everyone who drove in HAD to cross the cattle guard!! Dana…we sure lived the good life. <3
Kelly Sawyer says
Roger was a good friend, a good teacher, a good statesman, a good coach. He will be greatly missed by many people.
Much love,
Don & Kelly Sawyer
Jack and Kirsten Crocker says
Judi, Becky, Dana and family:
Roger was an inspiration to all who knew him from teaching to coaching and a friend. He will be forever in our hearts. Our prayers and condolences to you all.
Jack and Kirsten (Belgarde) Crocker
jeff venhaus says
Char & I are so sorry for your loss. I will truly miss our conversations even though they were a little one sided. I very much enjoyed listening to his stories. Roger was a walking Montana sports encyclopedia & I would say I was a good listener. I was very interested in, & amazed with his knowledge. Our prayers are with you.
jeff
Don & Becky Criswell says
Judi, Becca and Dana, we are so sorry for the loss of Roger. Don and I both have great memories of him as a coach and teacher and neighbor. Treasure the memories and know that he is pain free. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Watson says
Dear Judi, Rebecca, and Dana,
We are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a great teacher. We are so thankful for the memories we have of your whole family. We are praying for you all and thinking of you. We pray that you feel Jesus holding you in the palm of His hand. Remember you are all loved by your Savior, family, and friends.
Much Love,
Max and Nancy
Cheryl Goffena says
We are so sorry for your loss, Mike and Cheryl Goffena
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
Judi and families
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of someone so precious to you. I was a colleague of your’s Judi and although I never met Roger I think all these words speak so highly of both of you. May you hold onto the precious memories you hold close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are for all of you.
Prayers are with you. Wayne Jr and Serena Wetherelt.
Darbie Karch and Family says
Sending love and prayers at this difficult time. May God guide you through the coming days. Cherish the memories and know that he is now pain free.
Kathy Turley says
So sorry to here about your loss . Greg and Kathy & Rebecca Turley
Pam Barnett says
Judi and family
We are so sorry for your loss
Will always remember branding at your house when the kids were small and the wonderful suppers after
Pam, Meghan, Clay, Tyler Barnett
Jo Ryan says
My sincere sympathy to all of Roger’s family. Treasure the memories.
Curtis & Flossie Phipps says
May our Heavenly Father bless each of you with peace & comfort knowing that Roger has returned to his Heavenly Father who sent him here. He is now out of the terrible pain & can find joy & happiness again. We love you & hope to see you again soon.
Tammy Bauer says
Judy and family. I was shocked to hear of Roger’s passing as we always joked about being the same age. He played a huge part in the lives of my children. My prayers are with all of you. Let go and let God lead you.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our most heartfelt condolences to all of Roger’s family. May your beautiful memories be a comfort to each of you.
Rick & Karen Mouat says
Judy and family, we were so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Praying the Lord wraps you in his peace and comfort.
Wayne Wilson. Hysham grad. 81 says
Mrs. Knapp and family, my heart is heavy after hearing about Mr. Knapp. He was a big, big influence, encourager of my life. Remember him and after 35 years still find myself talking with him. A great, Teacher, Coach, historian. Most of all a great friend. ( lost the annual, but these words he wrote in mine, ” Wayne keep going, as you are, do not stop and someday you will be first, around the track of Life” Lord, All mighty God, thank You for this man, blessing, teaching, caring. Give his family, strength, comfort. Help all of us, never forget, but to replace this huge hole in our hearts with your Spirit, and Truth. In Jesus Name Amen
Jillian Criswell says
Judy, Rebecca, Dana, and family~
Words cannot express my sympathy to you for your loss of Roger. It was a true joy to take care of him and to visit woth all of you and hear so many memories you all shared about my family and my parents that I will forever remember. It was great great making memories with all of you and spending Rogers final days with all of you, sharing stories, shedding tears (or wiping Rogers), sharing hugs, and most importantly just being there for all of you during this time. May you hold onto the memories you had with such a wonderful man, and know that he is always with you making sure you are all following those football teams and not forgetting his Packers are the best!!! May God hold you all in his arms as you get Thru these rough times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!
Vern stensvad says
I’m so sorry for your lose Roger was a great man he awayls know how to make someone’s day. Thanks to Roger that’s how I got started in the cows business that man helped out in so many ways he was there when I need someone to talk to weather it was to talk about football my job or my cows he was awalys there for me I’m am truly going to miss that man and I will cherish the good memories Rodger and I shared. You will awalys have spot in my heart Roger RIP my good friend.
Lori scheuermann says
So sorry to hear of Rogers passing… fly with the angels?
Cynde Cole says
Thinking of you all at this time. We know you will miss him so much. It was always so fun to share with my students that he was my high school history teacher. I have great memories of those days. I also felt fortunate to have kept up with you and Roger as you visited family in Ekalaka. Mom and Dad always enjoyed visiting with you as well. We are never ready to let go and can only hope that your great memories will help comfort you. My love and hugs to the grandkids, too, I know they loved him so very much and he was a great part of their lives.
Linda Nelson says
So sorry to read of Roger’s passing. We served in the Legislature together and though being on opposite sides of the aisle, we thought alike and often voted the same. I enjoyed his friendship.
God’s peace.
Bernie Grebe says
Judy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. May God Bless you and your family during this time of mourning. Celebrate the Joy and Hope in the Resurrection! I have many memories of when you were all at Belfry…so many years ago!!
God’s Blessings!
Tom Maxwell says
Judy
We are so sorry to hear that Roger passed away. Our mother (Mary Maxwell) always looked forward to your visits and family picnic at your ranch. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Olive, Lawrence,Mike, and Tom Maxwell
Cindy(Milmine)Oblender says
Judi,Becky, Dana, and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Roger.I have so many great memories of all the Super Bowl get togathers
with your family. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family,
Mike and Kristin Maxwell says
Judy and family. Our hear felt condolences go out to all of you. We send our care and good wishes to all of you. Roger and all the Knapps were good friends with the Maxwells and our paths crossed in important ways over the years. Roger and his family are closely entwined with all of us. We all have good memories of the years together growing up in Melstone.
My wife Kristin and I send our prayers and best wishes to all of you.
Mike and Kristin Maxwell
Fran Gamble Pugh says
So sorry to hear the news. I often remember and mention Mr. Knapp to others. I gave him such a bad time in high school as I then disliked history. Little did I know how much it would later mean to me, taking our genealogy as far back as I have. I am proud to say he got that little glimmer of interest in history to start to ignite into the huge flame that it is now. I really didn’t know how much it meant to me until I heard the news of his passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Gary Mariegard says
I will miss Roger. I remember he always greeted me with a smile. He was good at forgetting the bad and remembering the good. He was really great about remembering the 200 lb well bit Robert Wolech and I hid in the podium for American Government class so he could not shift it around. He remembered a lot things like that and was happy to share them and keep us humble. He was a special fellow.
Robin Kuntz and family says
Judi, Rebecca, Dana, and family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I met Roger at a football game several years ago and instantly liked and respected him. He had such a positive influence on so many lives. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God wrap His loving arms around you now and in the days ahead. May God bless you all.
Paul and Timmi (McPhail) Baldwin says
Judi, Rebecca, Dana and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Many hours were spent with the Knapp family and I had the privilege of joining them at the farm. I will never forget the wonderful time spent with all of you! Sending love your way.
Stacy Welchlin says
Judy, Becky, Dana & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was such a great teacher & a wonderful man who will be missed by so many. Cherish all your wonderful memories. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Stacy Welchlin
Stacy (Harper) Cole says
My deepest sympathies go out to the Knapp family during this difficult time. Mr Knapp was a great teacher and coach to so many of us through the years at Hysham High. May God Bless your family!
Valerie says
Rebecca and all,
So sorry for you loss. Thinking of you and yours in this time of sorrow.
Audrey Jurovich says
To the family of Roger Knapp: Please accept our condolences in the loss of your husband, father, and brother. The many messages sent to you preceding this one speak volumes about him. Although our connection was with others in the Knapp family (through Dick and Laura, and knowing Jessie and Ruth), we are sorry for your loss (and apparent loss to many, many people). –from Audrey Bowen Jurovich
Bill Hoffman says
Becky and Dana sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My most sincere condolences you and your family.
Pamela Belgarde Miller says
Judi and family sorry to hear about the loss of a great dad husband grandpa and coach he will be missed.
Lisa and Gordon Criswell says
Dear Judi, Rebecca, and Dana,
Gordon and I have such dear memories of Mr. Knapp from our high school days, what we like to refer to as our “Glory Days.” We think of him as being a positive role model and influence in our lives. Mr. Knapp and Mr. Miller made an unforgettable team that led the charge for us in many ways that we hold close to our hearts. We so appreciate that. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you.
MERRI CLIFTON says
Dear Judi and family,
Thoughts and prayers for you all. Roger’s smile will be sorely missed by everyone. He had a GREAT smile! I think it’s because his heart was so good. Surely heaven is enjoying him now. God bless and keep all of you.
Shawna Rogers Wahl says
Judi, Rebecca, and Dana I am so sorry of hearing of Rogers passing..I wish I could make his funeral and give you all a big hug..Even though we haven’t seen each other in many years..I will never forget the friendship you showed me and what a great teacher he was. Praying for everyone
Shawna Rogers Wahl
Evelyn & Aldo Kebschull says
So sorry to read that you lost your hubby. God bless you as you strive to live without him. We were so used to seeing him on the players bench at all the tournaments. Will keep you in our prayers.
Mari Hoiland says
So sorry for your loss. I picture Buster waiting for him and holding the gate open to let Roger in. (a rickety old barb wire gate as a cowboy wouldn’t have it any other way)
Sonja Crocker says
Prayers ….
Scott Bischke says
Judi, Becca and Dana,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
We love you!!!
Scott, Jessica, Tyler and Shane Bischke
Jennifer Stewart Goram says
Aunt Judy, Becky No, and Dana. I am heartbroken. I just found out about Uncle Roger today(10/7). Please know my thoughts and prayers are with y’all. I pray God gives you peace, comfort, and strength. Our family will always have wonderful memories there in Montana.
Jennifer Stewart Goram says
Aunt Judy, Becky Jo, and Dana. I am heartbroken. I just found out about Uncle Roger today(10/7). Please know my thoughts and prayers are with y’all. I pray God gives you peace, comfort, and strength. Our family will always have wonderful memories there in Montana.
Lucille Wilson Brock says
I find myself reading about Roger’s passing and just wish to express my sincere condolences to you, Judi and to all your family…….I was a bit older….but do so remember him……the last time I saw him I think was at the last Melstone school reunion when my I and my husband, sister Marian and Jeanette Schroeder stayed at the cute, fun cabin in the Pines…….so nice of him to let us stay there….and think you even fixed breakfast for us…..great people you all are….may the Lord bless and comfort you at this sad time……
Don Sasse says
Judi and family, I just learned today (10/30/2017) of Roger’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with him at various meeting and hearing stories about his life. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. I am sure he is up in with God tending the heavenly crops. May you all find comfort in God in this time of loss.
Kim Bradley says
Dana & family so very sorry for your loss. Much love to all always and forever!