Oliver Dennis "Denny" Knapp

Oliver Dennis “Denny” Knapp, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend and hero, slipped the bonds of earth and stepped into heaven on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was born in Decatur, Illinois on June 13, 1946, to Marinda Rowene Carter and Oliver Otto Knapp.

He had an idyllic childhood, growing up in Spring Lake with his parents, brother and sisters. He spent hours with his uncles, Mac and Curtis, and his brother Gary, hunting, climbing on Dry Mountain, swimming and fishing in the lake, or riding his moped. He was a hard worker even in his youth, delivering newspapers every day on his bike for miles around Spring Lake.

Denny first attended the two-room schoolhouse in Spring Lake, then was bussed with the other Spring Lake kids to elementary schools in Payson. He attended Payson Jr. High school, and graduated from Payson High School in 1964, playing the trumpet in band and competing on the wrestling team.

He married his high school sweetheart and eternal companion, Renee Smith, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on September 9, 1965. He is her partner, provider, protector and the love of her life. They were about to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

Shortly after their marriage, he joined the US Navy, serving for 2 years in Viet Nam aboard the USS Point Defiance, LSD 31, while driving a landing boat up and down the brown water rivers.

After his military service, he became a master cabinet builder, always loving to work with wood on various projects. He retired from Provo Canyon School after 36 years as the Director of Plant Operations and Safety.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served as scoutmaster, primary teacher, High Counselor and Elders Quorum member, but his favorite calling was assisting Salem Stake President Leon Otten as his Executive Secretary.

Dennis and Renee have been blessed with four children. Brian, Shane, Monica and Wade were always on his mind and oh, how he loved each of them. He taught them to love their Heavenly Father and to set an example of service, kindness, and gratitude. He is their hero and their rock. He taught them countless life lessons that will live with them forever.

He is the treasured grandpa to 13 grandchildren, Rachel, Kayleigh, Zac, Lindsey (Kolby), Landon (Zoey), Gavin, Josie (Alek), Savannah, Braydon, Sommer (Richard), Chase, Livvy, and Ruby. He made each one of them feel important and could always make them laugh. He never missed a chance to tell them how proud he was of each of them and how much he loved them. He has eight great grandkids, with another due in December. Babies and children were a delight to him.

Dennis had many hobbies and talents; he loved to carve and create art pieces from wood. With pen and pencil, he would draw animals and scenes with trees, animals, or the Native American culture. He wrote both funny and serious poetry. He made us laugh by moving his neck from side to side, making goofy faces, and bending his fingers on top of each other. Our memories of hunting trips and four-wheeling adventures remain fresh in our minds. He saw beauty in plain old rocks and filled his pockets (and the house) with them. Quail and doves would stand at his feet as he dropped sunflower seeds to them. We will all miss him every day.

He is survived by his wife, Renee, his daughter, Monica (Chris) Jensen, and his son, Wade (Melissa), and all of his grandchildren. Also surviving are his two sisters, Marilyn (Randy) and Peggy, and his brother and best friend Gary (Jan). We know he was joyously welcomed home by his parents, his brother Kelly, and his two sons, Brian and Shane.

Friends and family will gather to remember and honor Dennis for funeral services at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 22nd at the Apple Blossom Chapel, 25 West Apple Blossom Way in Salem. A previous viewing will be held at the chapel on Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Tuesday morning 9:30 to10:45 prior to the service. Interment at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

To leave condolences, visit www.legacyfunerals.com