William Knopke Jr

William John Knopke Jr, age 72 of Boulder City, Nevada went to heaven peacefully in his home on February 5th , 2014. He was born in Moorhead, Minnesota on June 15th, 1941 to William John Knopke and Genevieve Stahl Knopke. He relocated to Boulder City, Nevada from Lompoc, California five years ago. He married Delores Darlene Senior (Buck) on October 7th, 1978 in Reno, Nevada. William's career with Lockheed-Martin Vandenberg Air Force Base lasted 47 years. He had many experiences and adventures during his tenure including being involved in all the Titan Programs. He retired in March 2007. He was an active member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge for many years. William enjoyed his traveling, especially his trip to Germany and a few years ago a return trip after 50 years to his hometown of Barnesville, Minnesota. His hobbies include gardening, fishing and cooking. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his awesome BBQ's, especially his famous Tri-Tip. He was a prankster and great story teller. He enjoyed the time and special memories spent with his grandchildren, whom he loved very much. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs; Mistic, Keno, Katleyn and Sig. They were very special to him. William is survived by his wife Dee Knopke of Boulder City, NV, three children; John D Knopke of Lake Nacimiento, CA, Vincent and Stefanie Buck of Susanville, CA and their three daughters, Myranda, one great grandchild Bricklynn, daughter of Myranda, Sevana and Harlee and Sy Buck of Boulder City, NV., and his son John William Buck of Frankfurt, Germany. His brother Duane Knopke and wife Barbara of Escondido, CA., his sister Genette Waldman and her husband Gilbert of Alphraetta, GA., a sister in law Dorothy Jean Combs and her husband Rusty of North Las Vegas, NV. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one of the following organizations in honor of William's name. Sisters of St. Benedict, 620 Summit Ave., Crookston, MN 56716-2700 Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741 Infinity Hospice Care, 6330 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamlymortuary.com

Dad, Gaga, Papa Bill; the time has come for you to be with Grandpa and Grandma Knopke, Grandma Mary, Grandma Owens, and your friends. I knew this day would come, but in my heart, I wished it were much later in life. I learned so much from you and I wanted our girls to be old enough to comprehend and remember the many wonderful things you could have taught them. It is now up to me to pass on your life's lessons to them, but it will be a challenge in some aspects because I have not quite developed the ability to tell stories in the same energetic and captivating manner you did.

I will share with the girls, our adventures at the Lompoc range, the canoeing trips down the Santa Ynez River, the fishing trips we took and the many BBQ's we had.

The most remembered range day was when we went shooting the "Dirty Harry" 44 magnum and amongst the ammunition you loaded, you mixed in some "Hot loads." After firing a few of the home loads and getting cocky, I pulled the trigger and a "Hot load" fired off, nearly causing an impression in my forehead of the guns hammer. That day I learned to listen to your advice, because you warned me, you told me not to get cocky, and I also learned a sincere respect for firearms.

The canoeing trip in the big yellow canoe that I remember most was the one where we went down the Santa Ynez River after they released water from Cachuma Lake. On that day, I did not know if we were going to make it out of the river, but we did. When we made it to River Park, I was relieved, and excited that we had accomplished such a feat together. I learned that sometimes you have to take risks in life and have faith that things will work out in the end. I also learned that if you believe in yourself and have faith in others you could accomplish many things.

I will always cherish the many fishing trips we had to Lake Lopez and to the River Park pond. There were few days when we returned empty handed, thanks to the trout farm nearby and the stocked pond. On those rare occasions, I learned to have patience and to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake and its natural beauty. Although you taught me the art of fishing well, I will leave the fishing lessons for the girls up to Stef, as she has mastered this skill.

I will remember will the wonderful BBQ's dinners, which at times seemed to be our primary source of food. I especially remember the "BBQ chicken," which Sy and I loved and later found out were frog legs. To this day, I must admit I have not developed the taste for pickled herring like the one you did, even after I tried it myself. You taught us to try things first and after trying it personally yourself, make your own independent decision as to your likes and dislikes. I also learned that you cannot judge things by mere appearance, because if you do, you will miss out on many wonderful things.

You were a jokester, and you had a natural ability to lighten up the mood, regardless of the circumstances. I will always remember the Harley Davidson leather jacket you and mom bought me when I owed the Honda sport bike. You were so tickled with yourself, and you knew the jacket would not look good on the type of motorcycle I had. Your explanation was that a real man owns a Harley Davidson. Dad I finally owned one, and from your response, I think it met you approval. From this, I learned that it is okay to have fun, let your hair down from time to time and to enjoy the moment. I must admit, at the time when I saw the leather jacket, I did not think you were very funny.

You also taught me to be the better person by not holding grudges, but instead try to resolve an issue before too much time has passed, as life is too short. You showed me it is okay to enjoy the simple things in life and that family is the most important asset. You taught me the importance of earning things by allowing me to earn money by doing chores, like rototilling the front yard and massaging your head for what seemed like hours, which made me value the things I purchased so much more.

I was blessed with two sets of parents, from whom I have learned many things. I love you and know that you have had an influence in my life and so many other lives in a positive manner, and my hope is that in my life, I am able to do the same.

I am so very grateful that you and mom were able to make it to Sevana's last soccer game and that all the grandparents were together at this moment. That visit meant the world to me and our family.

Dad, I give you my word that Mom will be taken care of while she is here with us, there is no need to worry. All I ask of you is that you look over us and help guide us on the right path in life.

Love always,

Vinnie (Your Barney Fife)