Michael Gary Knospe

Mike loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus deeply. That love poured out on his family, friends and many more. Serving others, worship through music (what a drummer!) and studying God's Word were his passions. He always kept you laughing and his joy was time with family and friends. Other hobbies included gardening, golf, biking and watching his Green Bay Packers. Mike was a fine craftsman of wood, delicious pizza, pickles and BBQ.

At the age of 62, Mike peacefully entered his heavenly home on December 9th, 2024, surrounded by loving family. His courageous 7 month battle against pancreatic cancer is over.

He was the first born of three sons to Gary and Jean Knospe. He graduated from McNary high school and went on to complete an Associate's Degree in computer operations at Chemeketa Community College. His first career was at Northrup Aerospace in Southern California. Upon returning to Oregon, he began his career in juvenile corrections, where he retired as manager of a treatment unit.

Mike met the love of his life, Linda (Bennett) Knospe working in the Salem General Hospital cafeteria. They were married June 25th, 1983. God blessed them with three amazing children, Nicole Kembel (Chad), Camille Friesen (Jacob), and Luke Knospe (Sofia). They were further blessed with four beautiful grandchildren (Dresden, Callum and Leeland Kembel, and Gwendolyn Friesen). Loving family includes his father: Gary Knospe, brothers: Kent Knospe (Lisa), Mark Knospe (Tina), mother-in-law: Doris Bennett, in laws: Scott Bennett (Minette), Sue Weber (Dan) and many wonderful nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother Jean Knospe and father-in-law Richard Bennett.

His was a life well lived. "Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

A celebration of life will be held at Salem First Baptist Church on Saturday, December 21st at 11 AM. Donations can be made in Mike's name to Salem First Baptist Church, Samaritan's Purse or Union Gospel Mission.

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9