Gerald Knapp, 77, formerly of Orofino
Gerald Merton Knapp, 77, of Clarkston, WA passed away May 24, 2013, at his home. He was born April 28, 1936, to Oak and Mary (Hansen) Knapp in Orofino. He attended Colville High School and was in the graduating class of 1954. He attended Washington State University and graduated from there in 1958 with a degree in civil engineering. He was in the National Guard in 1958.
Gerald married Judith Ann (Judy) Sieger April 8, 1962, in Colville, WA. She passed away Oct. 17, 2010. He married Diane Gentry Rodakowski Sept. 22, 2012, in Coeur d'Alene.
While growing up he lived in Orofino, Rexford, MT, and Colville. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service from 1959 to 1984. During that time he was in Colville from 1959 to 1962; Missoula, MT, from 1962 to 1965; and Orofino from 1965 to 1984. He retired from the USFS after 25 years. He then moved to Reno, NV, in 1984 and then Las Vegas, NV in 1990, while working for several engineering firms. His last job was as safety officer for Dow Industries in Las Vegas before retiring in 2006. He moved back to the Lewiston area in September 2012.
Jerry had a passion for history, with a special interest in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He loved attending the athletic and musical events of his children and grandchildren - always their biggest fan. He enjoyed gardening, making hot sauce, playing board games and cards. He volunteered at the Sahara West Branch of the Las Vegas Public Library. During his years in Orofino, he was an avid steelhead fisherman and a member of the Kiwanis Club. He approached life with a positive attitude. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went.
He is survived by his wife, Diane of Clarkston; son, Frank Knapp of Kent, WA; daughter Thea Decker of Henderson, NV; brothers Robert Knapp of Lewiston, Hugh Knapp of Redmond, WA, and Neil Knapp of Spokane, WA; granddaughters Hannah and Emma Knapp, both of Kent, Lindsay and Amanda Decker, both of Henderson; grandsons Andrew, Michael, and Austin Decker, all of Henderson; stepchildren Angie, Elise, Emily and Tracy; and step-grandchildren Sierra, Madigan, Sasha, Aubree and Easton. He was preceded in death by his brothers Lloyd Knapp and Frank Knapp, and wife Judith Knapp.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Transcribed by Michal Berreth-Beck, 2014