Roger Dean Knopp, 62, of Columbus passed away Tuesday June 5th at Stillwater Community Hospital.
Roger was born May 20, 1951 in Miles City, to Gideon and Mary (Wells). He was the 5th of 8 children born to the family. He graduated from Custer County District High School in 1969. After high school he worked for a short while at Fort Keogh. In 1970, he enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard. Serving 6 years, he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant with honors in marksmanship. Roger enjoyed living in Miles City and working for his brother Bob at his trucking company, Eckhart Trucking and Doeden Construction. Roger moved to Columbus in 1987 and began working at the Stillwater Mine. In 1990, he was one of the first crew members to start at the Smelther in Columbus. Roger was very proud of the 25 total years he worked at the mine. He often joked that he never intended to stay, he just needed a job to get him through the winter until construction picked up. Much of his recreation time was spent either out in the hills hunting with his family and friends, camping, cutting wood, riding his 4-wheeler, or just simply enjoying being out seeing the wildlife. When he was younger he spent much of his time riding and working on his snowmobiles at Willy’s All Season. Roger had 4 children he loved and was very proud of. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, bragging about them often, and even changing a diaper or two. He was known for always being early, just so he wouldn’t miss anything.
Roger is survived by his children Jerhomey Knopp of Portland, OR, Justin (Charity) Knopp of Gillette, WY, Tanis (Ryan) Trenka of Bozeman, MT, and Jennifer Ostrum of San Clemente, CA; his grandchildren Bailey, Bryson, Graysen, and Garett; his sister Pam (Phillip) Treu of Sheridan, WY and his many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Lonnie, Bob, Lyle and Rodney, and his sisters Alice and Elsie.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 8th at 10:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel in Columbus MT. Military graveside services will follow on Friday at 3:00 pm in Miles City at the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Custer County Search & Rescue or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 7, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday June 8, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 7, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday June 8, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Vicki Ratledge Kuzara says
I can not fully express my sorrow at hearing about Roger’s passing. He has been on my mind and heart for such a long time. We were friends from church in Miles City when we were teenagers. Please know that truly, my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Teeny McMunn says
I am so saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. He is and always will be my favorite cousin. I hope at some time I can introduce myself to his kids, which I wasn’t able to know. I love you and will always have you in my heart.
Gary & Bernadette says
So very sorry we are praying for you all. All our Love also.
Rose Zella Wells Proctor says
Saddened to hear of the passing of Roger. Got to visit a bit at the last Montana funeral I was able to go to. We always said we would get together for a real visit. We don’t have the Wells family reunion anymore. Our part of the family has dwindled too.
If any of the remaining family has anything for the family history I hope you will send it to me. I’m not doing good on the up date, just too old I guess but I do have a file where I try to keep up with family. His Mother who we always called Jeanette was my dear first cousin , I still think of her a lot.
God Bless to all from a relative in the Wells family.
Rose Zella”Wells’ Proctor
Pastor Dan Barber says
Your family is in my prayers during this time.
Brenda Gjerde says
Your family isin my prayers
Bob Zabroski says
Will be missed Roger, see you on the other side with Juses, Elies Brother -in- law Bob
willy cain says
I don’t know what to say I’m in disbelief.Roger was a good friend of mine—we had alot of good times snowmobiling and working in my shop. I will really miss him ——-
Kim Kelly Peterson says
My best wishes to Roger’s family. I was very sorry to hear of his passing.
Bob and Laura Bellows says
We remember Roger during his time at Fort Keogh. His daughter Tanis is a special person and dear to us. We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time
Earl & Jean Kiddie says
Dear Tanis & family,
We were so very sorry to hear about the death of your dad. I’m sorry to be so late with this, but please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Come see us in Pueblo, CO.
Love,
Earl & Jean
Ken Mowry says
sorry to hear of your loss
Debi Cottom Rapstad says
I was so very sorry to hear about Roger – we were classmates, and I remember his always as so sweet and mild-mannered. My condolences to you all.