Kelso, Washington
1938 - 2009
Richard Thomas Knapp, 71, of Kelso passed away Nov. 14, 2009, at home.
He was born March 6, 1938, in Marshall, Mich. Dick served in the Air National Guard in Texas before returning to Michigan to complete his high school education.
He married Gloria Mohrbacker Sept. 6, 1968, in California. She survives him at home. Also surviving are a son, Michael Knapp of Fort Hood, Texas; three daughters, Beth McCartney of Kelso, Denise Balch of Salem and Tomi Yubeta of Casa Grande, Ariz.; a sister, Carol (Rex) Lambright of Jonesville, Mich.; a brother, William Knapp of Marshall, Mich.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dick owned and operated a rug and upholstery cleaning business in Michigan before spending 20 years in California as a sheet metalist. He retired in 1999. Dick was a 30 year member of square dancing groups, including the Good Sam Square Dance Club. He was also a member of the Lower Columbia Woodcarvers and the Cowlitz Caravan RV Club. He and Gloria traveled in their RV for 18 months prior to moving to Kelso in June 2001. Dick suffered a stroke in 2004. Since then he became a fan of the Rural Free Delivery (RFD) television channel, watching baseball, ice skating, and helping Gloria with her quilting. Dick was proud of the improvements he'd made after his stroke and loved dining trips to town.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held at noon Saturday at Beacon Hill Baptist Church.
Arrangements are by Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily News (Longview, WA).
To the family of Richard Knapp: Those who have died will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice for their country wil live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom. Remembering your loved one. Condolences,
Lower Columbia DAR Ladies
November 23, 2009 | Kelso/Longview, WA
Gloria, Dick was a real inspiration of a fighter to me. I am so blessed to have had him in my own life as a friend in the carving community. My thoughts and prayes are with you and your family.
Dave Ward
November 21, 2009 | Longview, WA
our deepest sympathy to you and your family. we had a lot of great holidays and birthdays together. he will be missed. we love you very much
eddy and teresa nevarez
November 19, 2009 | San Pablo, CA
we are greatly sorry for your loss. we all had a lot of great birthdays and holidays together. i`ll never forget him. you are in our thoughts and prayers. we love you.
eddy and teresa nevarez
November 19, 2009 | San Pablo, CA
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
rachel cincera
November 19, 2009 | San Pablo, CA
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 19, 2009
Gloria,
Though it's been many years it doesn't change that you're family and when family hurts, we all hurt. Condolences to you and your family from me and my husband Terry.
Gussie (Mohrbacher) Croup
Gussie Croup
November 19, 2009 | Hinckley, MN
Our love to Gloria and her family. We know the loss of Dick will leave an empty spot in your life and our sympathy, love and best wishes to you. George and Darlene
November 18, 2009 | CA
