David Carl Knopp

David Carl Knopp, 64, died Saturday, March 28 in a house fire at his home in South Minneapolis. David was born July 9, 1961, in Evanston, IL, to Carl F. Knopp and June M. (Olson) Knopp. Survivors include his mother and seven siblings: Deborah Knopp of Moorhead, MN; Laura Knopp of Fergus Falls, MN; Valerie Knopp of Lezha, Albania; Peter Knopp of Reno NV; Matthew Knopp (Mary Lou Leitschuh) of Minneapolis, MN; Andrew Knopp (Dawn) of Mooreville, MS; and Rachel Sherman Johnson (Peter) of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by his aunt Sharon (Olson) Davidson; uncles Harley Olson and Herbert William Knopp Jr.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. At the time of his death, David was a senior engineer at AGCO in Jackson, MN. He suffered a major stroke in 2009 due to a rare cerebrovascular condition (moyamoya disease) and had other health challenges, but he remained outgoing and continued to live independently. He was also steadfast in his Christian faith. A memorial service for David will be held Saturday, April 11, at 2:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

David attended Highland Oaks Elementary in Arcadia, CA, where he was a member of the Mentally Gifted Minors program. He also joined a Little League Baseball team and Boy Scout Troop 126. After his family moved to Fergus Falls, David became a member of the auditorium production staff (APS) in junior high and worked at Charlie’s Pizza during his high school years, graduating in 1979. In 1983, he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the U of M in Minneapolis. David then worked at computer and medical technology companies Edge Computer and Dicomed. He also operated a business related to digital imaging and is named as inventor on two US Patents involving that work.

David was an avid golfer until health issues kept him off the course. He enjoyed cars, especially Chevy Impalas and some foreign makes. Known to some as “Dr. Google,” he had a quick wit, and was loyal to his favorite restaurants, where he nurtured close relationships with the owners and patrons alike. He often ordered extra meals that he delivered to the night bartenders at his favorite watering hole. At Christmastime, he traveled to Paris, France, and returned with gourmet chocolates and coffee for friends and family. He was an excellent cook and baked delicious cheesecakes, sharing them widely.

David is preceded in death by Carl Fritz Knopp (father) and beloved uncles Paul, Duane, Keith, and Loren Olson; aunt Margaret Knopp Graebner; and grandparents Herbert and Dorinda Knopp and Ernest and Elsie Olson. The family asks that any memorial gifts be directed toward women's shelters, crisis pregnancy centers, the Animal Humane Society, or animal rescue groups.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com