Dr. Richard W. Knapp

Richard W. Knapp, DDS, age 97, of Rochester, MN was called to the loving arms of the Lord on August 21, 2015.He died peacefully at home with his sons at his side.Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2015 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, in Rochester.Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Richard (Dick) Knapp was born March 22, 1918 in Rochester, MN to Harold and Iva Knapp.He attended the University of Minnesota and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1948, a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1953.He then practiced dentistry in private practice in Rochester until his retirement in 1985.Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an airplane mechanic during World War II; he was stationed in San Diego CA, San Francisco CA, St. Louis, MO, San Juan Puerto Rico, and Norfolk, VA.On January 9, 1954 he married Jean R. Johnson and they began raising two sons.Richard was a charter and active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rochester.He was also an avid pheasant hunter and walleye fisherman taking many trips with family and friends to South Dakota, northern Minnesota, and Canada.Leading up to and following his retirement Richard spent much of his time at the family cabin located in Sturgeon Lake, MN where he enjoyed fishing and watching the loons, ospreys and eagles. Richard is survived by his sons Scott (Terri) of Sheboygan, WI and Douglas (Julie) of Minnetonka, MN; his grandchildren Anthony (Katie) Knapp, Megan (John David) Park, Kylie, and Kevin; and nephews Bruce (Pam) and John (Lynn). He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean and his brothers Harold and Willard. The family would like to thank the many Mayo Hospice and Palliative Care Unit personnel who made Richards final stage of life more comfortable. Memorials are preferred to the Congregational UCC Church, 974 Skyline Dr., SW, Rochester, MN 55902. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN(507) 289-3600