Richard Knapp
November 6, 1946 ~ November 6, 2020
Richard (Dick) Manfred Knapp was born November 6, 1946 in Fargo, ND. He was the only child of Manfred and Helen (Alm) Knapp. Dick grew up in Binford, ND, where hunting, fishing, and roaming the prairies with his Dad instilled a love of the outdoors that would last a lifetime. Dick graduated from Binford High School in 1964 and Mayville State College in 1969. After teaching in Halliday and Wyndmere, Dick was fortunate enough to be hired as a North Dakota Game Warden in 1974, becoming the Southeast Regional Warden Supervisor from 1985 until his retirement. He would serve for 34 1/2 years. Dick's outlook on being a Game Warden can best be described by a quote he found by General Colin Powell: "That's what you really have to look for in life, something that you like, and something that you think you're pretty good at."
After retiring from the ND Game & Fish Department, Dick worked as the director of security for the University of Jamestown for five years. He then worked as a volunteer reading tutor at Lincoln Grade School in Jamestown through AmeriCorps. He absolutely loved working with the kindergarten through 3rd grade students.
Dick married Renee Brekke in 1979. They divorced in 1985, remarried and divorced again in 1992.
In 1994, Dick found Brenda Herrick and their loving relationship would last for the rest of his life. Brenda and Dick married in 2000, and their journey through life was an adventure. Together they traveled to all fifty states, six continents, and over 30 countries. In 2018, Dick and Brenda sold their home and everything they owned and lived full-time in their RV, spending two winters in Palm Springs, CA and Casa Grande, AZ.
Dick was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, a life member of the ND Peace Officers’ Association, and a founding member of the North American Game Warden Museum at the International Peace Garden.
Dick passed away on his 74th birthday, November 6, 2020 from Covid complications at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Trudy and Marion Baartman, sister-in-law Suzy Baartman, and brother-in-law Scott Mork.
Dick is survived by his wife Brenda, son Manfred (Amanda) Knapp of Fargo, daughter Sandra Johnson of Tappen, stepson Chris (Laura) Herrick, and step-daughter Gina (Brian) Hough (all of West Fargo); four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Dick is also survived by six brothers-in-law: Mike (Carla) Baartman of Cannon Falls, MN, Randy (Betsy) Baartman of Rochester, MN, Jeff (Sherry) Baartman of Red Wing, MN, Brad (Julie) Baartman of St. Cloud, MN, Dave (Caroline) Baartman of Minneapolis MN, Greg (Sharyce) Baartman of Ruthton, MN; one sister-in-law, Melissa Mork of Spring Lake Park, MN; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dick was a very generous, kind, and gentle soul who protected his loved ones, both human and animal.
No services are planned at this time, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Having a gathering of people to celebrate Dick’s life would dishonor him and the struggle he fought against this terrible disease.
Memorials received will be forwarded to the North American Game Warden Museum.
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Curious if he had a mother named Viola. She was my aunt and i know she had sons close to my age. I was born in 1951.
I am sad to hear of Mr Knapps passing. As the days come and pass I hope you find comfort in the people that surround you and all the memories you carry in your heart.
So sorry for your loss-u two had a great life together–he died on his birthday just like my dad!
Brenda, thinking of you and your family with sympathy! It was nice to have a chat with you when we happened to meet in the park last summer. I have a lot of fond memories of spending time in the Knapp home in Binford. I was in elementary school and my parents and I lived next door to them. A good life in small town America!
Brenda my thoughts and prayers for you all. Dick was a great guy!
I can remember as a baseball catcher for our team I’m from Binford. I was the pitcher and he was the catcher. we were a team and very good at it. We were at linebackerkers in football. We hunted and fished in local lakes. he was a guy that stood up for me when Brenda and I got married after I got back from Vietnam RIP
Mike
I am one of Richard’s second cousins . I grew up travelling but we always came back to Binford to see Hazel Alm who was Helen’s sister-in-law. Richard was always kind to his younger cousins and would drive us out to Red Willow Lake. He was loved and he will be.missed.
Monnie and Sandra I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great father and the best Uncle to my kids. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know
May I please offer my condolences to Brenda and family. This is far too early to end such an adventure. I am sorry.
When I was six years old and Richard was five, one summer Saturday was very special. My mom took his mother, Helen, and the two of us to see the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus which was performing in Devils Lake. The elephants and other animals were so huge, the trapeze artists so daring, and clowns which piled out of their little car so funny, The great Emmet Kelly was among them. It was our first experience with cotton candy.
My deepest sympathy to Richard’s family.
Brenda,
I am truly saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. He was a great man, and colleague. My deepest sympathies and prayers for you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Dicks passing. I remember him well and you too Brenda as we would visit and etc at the G&F picnics and Christmas parties. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and your family Brenda. God Bless!
Brenda and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Dick, always a friend to our family and a long time work partner of my Dad. I am sure that they are now having a good visit about all of their adventures. RIP Dick
I worked with Dick for many years on the North American Game Warden Museum. His dedication to the project and his boundless humor was always appreciated.
My condolences to you Brenda and the rest of Dick’s family.
Brenda & Family, our prayers and sympathy are with you at this very sad time. God Bless each and everyone.
Brenda, I am deeply sorry for you in the loss of Richard. I know you were very happy.
Richard was also a great guy. Deepest Sympathy to you and your family
God Bless a friend Gloria Bartlett
In a family full of cousins, Richard was special to all of us. His parents, Helen & Monte idolized their only child but he only grew & prospered from their special love. A quiet man, who dedicated his life to fish, animals & the great outdoors, I doubt he had an enemy. He was my younger cousin & if’s not fair that he has left our world. My deepest sympathy to his beloved wife, Brenda and family.
My sincere sympathy to Richard’s family. His Dad was a cousin of my Mother’s. We both graduated from Binford…….he in 1964 and me in 1965. The last time I visited with he and Brenda was at the Binford reunion in 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. I am so glad we had that conversation. Praying for you, Brenda, and the rest of the family.
Our sympathy to you Brenda and your family.
I will never forget when “Pete” was in the ICU in Fargo and you & Dick spent time in the visitors room with me.
He was a kind man and always cared about others.
He will be deeply missed.
We Love and miss you Dad
Very sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. I have lots of fond memories of our work time together. We first met at Red Willow Lake when he was just hired by GF. With deepest sympathy and prayers to all.
He taught in Wyndmere back in 1970. We could tell then that the outdoors, not the indoors, was his passion.
Richard was one of many cousins, his mom, Helen being my mother’s sister. We had many wonderful family gatherings in Binford and I enjoyed staying with Helen, Monte & Richard both
In Binford & at Red Willow Lake. Adored as an only child, Richard grew up with the best qualities of both of his wonderful parents. My heartfelt sympathy to Brenda in the loss of her beloved husband as well as his entire family. He was a kind & gentle human being who will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to Brenda and all of Dick’s family. We will always remember the great times we had together working on the Museum and going to the annual conferences. Dick always made us laugh.
I remember him teaching in Wyndmere when I was in High School. As I remember he was a very interesting individual and hung around with another teacher ( Bob Tyler) I think they called Bob (Tippy). They might have partied a little.
Brenda we are so sorry to hear about your husband. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Claudia & Bill Mackenzie
Knapp Family,
Kindly accept my sincere gesture of condolence and know that all will continue holding a special place in their hearts for Richard.
I was the North Dakota Game and Fish Department Hunter Education Coordinator for 20 years and crossed beneficial and positive paths with Richard a multitude of times.
Jim Carter
Bismarck, ND
Brenda, I am so sorry. It’s been a while since we’ve chatted and were in yoga together. I recall your coming and going on adventures with your husband. What precious times and memories! If you’re ever this way visiting family and find some extra time, it would be nice to connect with you. My condolences to you and families.
Ann Wilson
Apple Valley, MN
Dick was a great man HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY!
I have so many memories of Richard. Of course, I knew him all of his life. For so many years I looked forward to
hunting and fishing with he and Monte at places like Quam Dam. Lake Ashtabula , Lake Sibley and Jessie Lake .
The stories he told of his experiences as a Game Warden were sometimes sad and other times hilarious, I remember how pleased I was when he asked me to deliver the eulogy at his mother’s (my aunt Helen) funeral.
The best thing that happened to him was the day he married Brenda. He’s been a happy man ever since.
I will surely miss him. A lot!
Mr.Richard was my favorite teacher, even after his passing. I am now in high school in the Advanced English class, I owe this to him as I would not have been able to do it alone. He had a great personality and a kind demeanor always giving.
I wish you were still here.