Glen George Knopp 1942-2017

SEELEY LAKE - Glen George Knopp, 74, passed away at his home in Seeley Lake June 9. Glen was born Dec. 13, 1942 to Glen L. and Rose L. (Freauff) Knopp in Pocatello, Idaho.

After graduating from high school, Glen enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964. He completed basic training and was stationed in Washington, D.C. as a fuel specialist for Air Force One under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1966, he was transferred to Ankara, Turkey as a logistic specialist at a remote radar station. Glen also married his sweetheart, Barbara J. Newgard in 1966 and together they started their family.

As much as his love of country drove him, he missed his young family. He left the military in 1968 to return to his family back in the States.

Adjusting to civilian life, Glen began working at the Frenchtown paper mill. He worked his way to senior foreman in the pulp division. He retired in October of 2001 after 34 years with the mill. While at the mill, he also started his first auto mechanic shop in Missoula in 1974, B&G Auto.

After retiring from the mill, he and Barbara moved to their property in Seeley Lake. He had a passion for working on cars. Even during the past couple years he worked on the vehicles of close friends and family, turning his passion more into a hobby than a business. He never fully retired.

Glen also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved his country and continued to serve as Commander of VFW Post 7992 and a longtime supporter and board member of Veterans and Families of Seeley Lake. His commitment to veterans and his community was never ending. Glen loved his friends and family and would do all he could to take care of them.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Rose and a niece Katie Salas.

Glen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara; brother Kenneth (Kathy); sister Anita (Charles) McCartney; sons Shawn and Alan (Michelle) and daughter Stacy (Tim) Penhorwood. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Knopp, Samantha (John) Geile, Adalissa Penhorwood, Izabelle Penhorwood, Michael Steven Skabowski, Cody (Ashley) Deanne, Harley (Kayla) Moore and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Saturday, June 17 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Interment and a reception followed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations made in Glen's honor be sent to Veterans and Families of Seeley Lake, PO Box 1418 Seeley Lake, MT 59868 or a charity of their choice.