Vera Knapp

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Vera Elizabeth (Melaas) Knapp, 95, Moorhead, MN, peacefully passed away Monday, December 27, 2010, in the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford Health. Vera was still well and living independently in her own apartment until she suddenly became ill the Sunday following Thanksgiving. She was so determined and strong-spirited that twice she rallied and returned to her home only to eventually lose a little more strength every day. All of her children, some of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and friends had a chance to spend time with her and to say goodbye.

Vera had a beautiful and gracious spirit all her life. Even in her final days, when her speech was weak, she would still express gratitude continually saying "thank you" and "I'm okay" to her nurses, caregivers, pastors, and family members. One of her nurses described her as "sweet, sweet, Vera." Vera gave her family the important gifts of faith and love. Her faith never wavered and she was not afraid. She knew she would be in heaven with our Heavenly Father and her beloved husband, Willie, who also died at Christmas time on December 22, 1993.

Vera was born March 28, 1915 in Fertile, MN, to Joseph and Louise (Ask) Melaas. She graduated from high school in Fertile. Vera attended Concordia College, Moorhead, when it had only three buildings and six women. She graduated from Concordia in 1937, with a BA in History and with minors in Music and Economics. She was extremely proud of being a Cobber and wore her Concordia ring every day of her life. She attended homecoming every year until she was well into her 90's. She was a proud member of Mu Phi Epsilon.

Vera went on to be a principal and teacher in Harwood, Binford, and Wheelock, ND. She also taught boys basketball at one of these schools.
On June 30, 1940, Vera married J. Willard "Willie" Knapp in Fertile, MN. They moved to the San Francisco Bay Area until 1947, when they returned to Moorhead. Willie managed Red Owl Meat Markets in North Dakota and Minnesota. Together Willie and Vera owned Knapp Grocery in 1953 and 1954. Willie then worked for Twin City Meat Market which was owned by his father John "Johnny" Knapp, former Clay County Coroner and Police Commissioner. Vera stayed home to raise her children and taught many Moorhead children piano lessons in her home for several years.
Vera lived a remarkable and productive life. She was meticulously organized and detail oriented. At the time of her death, she was still the treasurer for events at her senior living center. All three of her sons have accounting degrees and her daughter worked in banking.
Vera and Willie were servant leaders, dedicating much of their lives to volunteer service in the community. Willie passed away unexpectedly after he and Vera had delivered Meals on Wheels earlier in the day on December 22, l993. They were both 78 years old at the time. They were charter members of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead and served on many committees. Vera was a past President of Good Shepherd's women's organization.
In 2005, Vera was presented The President's Volunteer Service Award by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Vera was a volunteer at the Hjemkomst-Heritage Interpretive Center well into her 90's. She was also active in the past for Meals on Wheels, Fargo-Moorhead Food Pantry, Young at Heart, The American Red Cross, United Blood Services, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Republican Party, Association of University Women, Cobber Friends, and Mu Phi Epsilon.
Vera is survived by three sons, Philip (Susan) Knapp, Princeton, MN, Robert (Joyce) Knapp, Tucson, AZ, and Charles (Angie) Knapp, Fargo, ND; one daughter, Judy Jacobson, South Pasadena, FL; grandchildren, Mark (Fatima) Knapp, Kelly (Brad) Line, Kari Knapp
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother; a sister; two grandchildren; and son-in-law, Jerald "Jake" Jacobson.
Visitation for Vera will be at the church one hour before the funeral.
Her funeral will be Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 2 PM, in Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead.