Darold Knippelberg

Minot

Darold Knippelberg, 95, of Minot, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 12, 2026, in a Minot assisted living facility.

Darold Wilbert Knippelberg was born on February 11, 1931, in Crooked Lake Township to parents George and Frieda (Freier) Knippelberg. He was raised in rural Turtle Lake, ND, attending Crooked Lake Township School until 8th grade. He then worked as a farm hand to help support his parents and family before enlisting in the U.S Navy in 1951.

During his time in the Navy, Darold was stationed on the USS Hamul (AD 20). He served during the Korean War for 3 years, mainly working as a distiller. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Following his conclusion of military service, Darold returned to North Dakota and worked as a carpenter for Woell Construction and Pete’s Construction. In addition to working construction, Darold also began employment with the Minot Fire Department in January of 1958 and remained with the department for the next 33 years until retiring as Lt. in April of 1991. He married Beverly Brand on June 9, 1958.

After concluding his time with the Minot Fire Department, Darold returned to work as a carpenter, working for Wheeler Construction from 1991 to 1999 before fully retiring.

In his free time, Darold enjoyed being outdoors. He often went fishing and camping with family at Lake Audubon. In addition, Darold loved spending time working in his garden. He also enjoyed woodworking and going to coffee in the morning with friends. Darold took up running in his 50’s and ran nearly 7 miles every day. He also competed in various local long-distance races during this time as well.

Darold was a longtime member of Our Redeemer’s Church and was heavily involved in the church expansion project in 2009. He was also a member of the Minot American Legion.

His loving family includes: his wife, Beverly Knippelberg, Minot; children, Kim (Rod) Pederson, Maxbass, ND, and Jeffrey Knippelberg, Minot; grandchildren, Asta (Isaac) Niebeling, Champlin, MN, and Rory (Megan Gould) Pederson, Minot; great-grandchildren, Zune, Ezra, Kingston, Greyson, and Addison.

Darold was preceded in death by: his parents; half-brother, Harold Krause; sisters, Laura Sandwith and Luella Forthun; brothers, Jack and Irvin Knippelberg; brothers-in-law, Jack Sandwith and Del Forthun, and close friend Jim Tillema.

The family would like to thank Richard North and the staff at First Light Home Care, Edgewood on 10th, Trinity Nursing Home, Trinity Hospital, and the People Care Prayer Team at Our Redeemer’s for their exceptional service and care provided to Darold over the years.

Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemer’s Church or Our Redeemer’s Christian School

A celebration of Darold’s life will take place at Our Redeemer’s Church on Friday July 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 15, 2026.