Michael (Mike) Eugene Knop

By By

CASTLE DALE, UTAH,-Michael (Mike) Eugene Knop (52) peacefully passed away on Dec. 30, 2010 at the University Hospital Burn Trauma ICU in Salt Lake City, from complications brought on by a sudden illness.
Mike was born on Dec. 23, 1958 to Wilbert R. and Evelyn R. Knop in Chester, Ill. He was raised by his parents along with his siblings on a large farm/ranch where he learned the ethics and values of hard work every day of his life. He was a foreman and had a 25 year career with Castle Valley Special Service District.
The cowboy in Mike longed to discover the wild-wild west. While fulfilling this desire Mike roamed from Illinois west and ended up settling down in the mild, mild west of Utah, which he dearly loved to call home.
Mike was always the life of any gathering, he had the most contagious smile and one of the heartiest laughs a human could possess. He absolutely loved being Sheila’s husband. She was the light of his life. It has been said, “Watching Mike and Sheila was like watching a True Love fairy tale.”
Mike shared a special bond with his son Robbie, and deeply loved all of his children and grandchildren. He had a deep passion for family and friends and always stayed in touch with them. He delighted in being a husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all. He was truly a “people person.”
He was very talented and skilled in everything he had a notion to pursue. The most pleasurable moments of Mike’s life was being able to live the cowboy way. He loved riding horses, herding cattle, farming, gardening, rock hounding, hiking, fishing, camping, animals, and family gatherings.
Survivors include his wife Sheila (Wilson) Knop of Castle Dale, Utah; parents Wilbert and Carol Knop of Willisville, Ill.; children Mallory Knop of Grand Junction, Colo., and Michael Robert (Robbie) Knop of Percy, Ill.; step-children Jennifer Barns of Ivins, Utah, Gwen (Kenny) Anderson of Elmo, Utah, Jayson (Maegan) Hiatt of Orangeville, Utah and Shay (Doug) Souder of Moore Head City, N.C.; siblings Perry (Sheila Simon) Knop of Carbondale, Ill., Brian (Tammy) Knop of Baltimore, Md., Andrea (Nathan Lingenfelter)Knop of Kazakhstan, Asia and Darrick Knop of Percy, Ill.; step-siblings Jerry (Cheryl) Arndt and Alan (Amanda) Arndt of Willisville, Ill.; in-laws; mom Marshan Wilson of Castle Dale, Utah; siblings, Marsha (Bill) Sherman of Orangeville, Utah, Tod (Kristi) Wilson of Carbonville, Utah, Kristy (Sterling) Johnson of Spanish Fork, Utah and Julie (Rick) Truman of Cleveland, Utah. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Ruth Knop.
To the very end, Mike fought a heroic battle to stay with us, but his body was just too exhausted so with a wink, wave, smile, and “I’ll see you on the other side.” Mike contentedly returned to his Heavenly Father.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to all who have supported us in so many ways, they are too numerous to mention. Your kindness and compassion during the past few months will be embedded in our hearts forever.
A memorial service was held Sat. Jan. 8, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Post Oak) Campbell Hill, Ill., 62916, at 3 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home, 620 N. Main, Huntington, Utah on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Family and friends are welcome to visit at 11 a.m. and the services will begin at 12 p.m. Interment will follow in the Castle Dale Cemetery after the services. A luncheon will be provided by the Castle Dale Second Ward Relief Society at 165 W. 800 N., Castle Dale, Utah (North of the cemetery).
Services are under the trusted care of the Heritage Funeral Home. Friends may sign the guest book by visiting www.heritagefuneralhomeutah.com.