Kenneth C. Knapper

Kenneth “Ken” Knapper, 77, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with memorial service to follow at 10:30 am at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Home, Little Falls, MN.

Ken was born in Staples, MN, the son of Martin and Edna (Amelung) Knapper. He was married on June 21, 1980 to Dorothy (Wolbeck) Knapper. Together they raised two daughters Ashley (Joe) Baratta and Amanda (Nick) Huls.

Over the years he was blessed by 5 grandchildren: Carson, Ethan, Lilian, Owen, and Jemma.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, mowing grass, farming, telling stories, and giving bear hugs. He was known to be a pretty darn good cook, especially his homemade waffles and pancakes. Some of his best pastimes were spent playing cards and board games with loved ones.

The biggest gift he gave was passing on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren along with his love of animals and the great outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Edna, brother Edwin, brother-in-law Jim Hanson, nephew Kevin Hanson, mother and father-in-law Ed and Bernie, brother-in-law Dennis Wolbeck, and grandparents Dan and Alice Knapper and Henry and Antonia Amelung.

Ken will be missed by his wife, children and grandchildren, sisters Jean Hanson and Janet (Bill) Opheim, brothers Frank, Daryl, Jerry and Bob, sister-in-law Elaine, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.