Arthur Frederick Knapheide Jr.

Arthur Frederick Knapheide Jr., 69, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov 30, 2007, surrounded by his beloved family at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson Home, Chandler Ariz. He was born on Aug. 7, 1938, in Lexington, Mo., the son of Arthur and Rose Heaper Knapheide. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1956 and entered into the U.S. Army in 1957, serving until 1963. He moved to Phoenix in 1959 and worked for Allied Signal for 36 years until his retirement in 1995. He moved to Strawberry Ariz., where he worked with the Pine/Strawberry Fire Department and Emergency Task Force. In 2001 Arthur and his wife moved to his favorite spot in the world, Montrose, Colo., to enjoy the mountains he loved so much. He became very active in the American Legion and has served as Commander for Post 73 in Montrose the last three years, as well as District Senior Vice Commander. Arthur loved his country and had the greatest respect for all of our veterans. He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother Rose of Peoria; his sister Rose Goforth of Avondale; his wife Joy of Montrose; daughter Lisa Gibbs of Tempe; son Dennis Knapheide of Phoenix; stepsons Jim and Tim Sapp, both of Colorado; granddaughters Amanda and Jennifer Gibbs, both of Tempe. A memorial will be on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Visitation and memories will be at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix 85014.