Donald Vern Knopp

BURLEY – Donald Vern Knopp, a 95-year-old resident of Burley, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at his home.

Don was born July 5, 1929, in Burley, Idaho, the son of Adolph and Amelia (Molly) Weber Knopp. He attended school at Springdale, south of Burley. In 1950, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served two years. While Don was serving he sent a letter home to his sister, Delores, with a picture of him with his army jeep. Thelma Carson was staying with Delores, and when she saw the picture of Don she said, “he’s so handsome, I am going to marry that guy someday.” Delores laughed because Thelma was still so young, but she did end up marrying that handsome guy.

On July 22, 1955 Don married Thelma in Elko, Nevada. Together, they raised five children, Debra (DelRay - deceased) Barnes, Rebecca (Clyde) Lindsay, Don Allen (Jackie) Knopp, Kory (Michele) Knopp and Perry (Marcy) Knopp.

Along with spending time with his family, farming and raising livestock were his passions. Don was very particular about his farmland and his crops – there was not a weed that got by him. He raised potatoes, grain, beans, and hay for his livestock. Don was Sugar Beet Grower of the Year in 1964-65 in the Mini-Cassia area, and was a lifetime member of the Burley Elks Lodge.

Don’s hobbies were bowling, fishing, camping, woodworking and restoring antique furniture. He loved to go with his wife, Thelma, to auctions and garage sales, seeking their next treasure. One of his many talents was building homes, including his own. Don also loved playing card games with family and friends, and he especially enjoyed his mornings playing a hand of cards (or several) with Thelma.

Don made a positive impact on everyone that crossed his path. He was devoted to his family and friends. He was a very generous man and helped those in need.

Don is survived by his wife, Thelma, of nearly 70 years; their five children;13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and two sisters, Delores (Larry - deceased) Carson, and Shirley (Clinton - deceased) Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son- in-law, Delray Barnes; grandson, Jared Barnes; granddaughter, Jessica Crane; great- granddaughter, Dakota Twiss; his brother, Harry (Nelda) Knopp; and sister, Larine (Ruben) Heinze.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th Street, in Burley, with the Reverend Kenneth Haftorson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and at the church on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Simply Hope Family Outreach, 1323 Oakley Ave. Suite 20, Burley, ID 83318.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/peXTLzO-68s.