Karen Lee Bennett: 1943 – 2025
Karen Lee Bennett, 81, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2025. Born on August 5, 1943, in Dallas, Oregon, she was the cherished daughter of Ruth and William Bennett. In her early years, Karen’s family relocated to Gillette, where they established their roots and remained for the duration of their lives.
Karen will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, her remarkable ability to listen, her infectious sense of humor, and her deep love for her family. She was a devoted mother who treasured her children: Kathy Schuhrke, Chris Wise (Mark), and Caroline Clark (Tracy); always standing by them and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
An animal lover, Karen had a special place in her heart for her sweet kitty, Boots, who brought additional joy to her life. Some years in the past, she would be in her yard for hours at a time and in those years, the beauty of her yard and her roses were the evidence of the love and care she had for being outside. These were some of her happiest days.
Karen is survived by her children: Kathy, Chris, and Caroline and their adoring spouses, Mark and Tracy; her sister, Bev Geis; and her brother, Donald Bennett; as well as five adoring grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who will forever hold her memory close. She also leaves behind nieces and a nephew who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and William Bennett, whose legacy of love and family values continued through her.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service; instead, Karen hoped everyone would remember the good times shared and the joy she brought into their lives. Her kind spirit and dedication to her family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Joseph Knapp: 1948 – 2025
Joseph Marion Knapp, 75, of Pine Haven, Wyoming, passed peacefully, surrounded by family at Sundance Hospital, Sundance, Wyoming, on February 10, 2025.
Joe was born in Gillette, Wyoming, on August 28, 1948. He spent his childhood in Gillette, graduating from Campbell County High School in 1968. Joe spent many summers at his grandparents Dent and Oran Floyd’s homestead ranch at Fortification Creek. He enjoyed playing, hunting and riding horses with his older brother, Everett, and his Knapp, Floyd, Clabaugh, and Hayden cousins.
Joe joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served honorably through 1970. His service included a combat tour aboard the USS Hoel (DDG-13) in Vietnam as a Bupersman and NAVOP. His military medals include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (Bronze Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Joe returned home to Gillette, and specialized in concrete work with Hladky Construction, Van Ewing Construction, and his own Knapp Construction in Sheridan. Joe poured cement during the day, but his nights were for music. Joe followed in the footsteps of his parents, Ole and Jean Knapp, playing in bands with his brother, Everett, and friends from the local area. He was a talented musician, playing drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. Joe made his home in Gillette, Sheridan and finally Pine Haven, Wyoming near Keyhole Reservoir.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Miles Everett “Ole” Knapp and Carol “Jean” Floyd Knapp; and his former wife, Vickie Lynn Cornell Knapp. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Vickie Sue Francis Knapp of Pine Haven; older brother, Everett Denton Knapp; daughters, Tracy Knapp French (Shawn) and Greta Knapp; son, Toby Knapp (Marjorie); and daughter, Tana Knapp Hurlburt (Jon Grant); son, Shawn Francis; and daugher, Regina Francis. He was blessed with grandchildren: Paul, Kade, Kirsten, Sydney, Jillian, Steffen, Adler, Renee’, Dalton, Laney, Adelyn, Lincoln, and Remington.
Funeral Services to be announced at a later date through Gillette Memorial Chapel.
