Stanley Roland Kniepkamp, 95, of Lindsay died Sunday evening, May 30, 2021. He was born Feb. 19, 1926, on a homestead in McCone County to Harry and Hilda (Albrightson) Kniepkamp. He attended the Valgate country school four years before attending school in Circle. He was especially close to his grandparents, Art and Margaret Goff, staying with them while attending Valgate since their home was closer to the school. He graduated from Circle High School with the Class of 1944. A fun memory for him was organizing and attending his 70h class reunion in 2014, using a bus to ride in the Town & Country Day parade with his classmates. He entered the service upon his graduation, becoming a member in the 65th Engineer Combat Battalion. During his years of service, the awards earned included the Purple Heart. He told of the excitement when World War II ended. The beginning of trip home, leaving Japan, included an eight-day ride on a luxury liner headed for San Francisco, Calif. The ship was indeed a luxurious ride with state rooms, delicious meals (complete with milk, something he had not enjoyed for almost two years), sporting activities, movies and nightly dancing to big band orchestras. There were many dancing partners as the women outnumbered the men by 400. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. He started working with his grandparents on the Goff Ranch, noted for being a top-notch sheep ranch. He watched many challenges in the industry, being part of farming and ranching all his life. An innovative risk-taker, he was especially pleased to be named the Outstanding Farmer in Dawson County in 1964. He was particularly proud of having his sons working side-by-side with him, all living on the same farm. Hard work and high productivity were standards he taught his family; a firm handshake was the mode of business and an ambitious work ethic was the standard of the Kniepkamp operation. Even so, Sunday, a day of rest, was always “church day.” Music and dance were a big part of his life. He met his wife, Arlene, at a dance. They were married in 1951, together building their home on the family farm. They were known for their outstanding dance style, which they passed on to their children. Family life for the Kniepkamps included an “open door” policy. He never met a stranger, always including and welcoming people, with his sense of humor in tow. Active in church and community, he served as deacon, trustee and president of First Lutheran Church. He was a charter member of the Dawson County Range Resource Committee, appointed to the Governor’s Conference on the board of the Montana Planning Committee, and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars—-serving as post commander, state Voice of Democracy committee member, district commander, state chief of staff and national aide de camp. A first-rate entrepreneur his entire life, he had many ideas, plans and careers. These ranged from his many goals for the farm, selling insurance for 36 years, owning Stan’s Country Auto for 26 years, being part of a resort on Swan Lake and trying his hand at inventions through a fiberglass company. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Arlene; grandson, Tyler Kniepkamp; and his sisters, Georgine Bronson and Clara Janeway. He is survived by daughter, Deb Mooer; sons, Rick Kniepkamp, Randy Kniepkamp and Mike Kniepkamp; numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren; and sister, Pat Witte. A memorial service was held Friday, June 4, at First Lutheran Church in Circle with inurnment at Riverview Cemetery in Circle.

Stephen “Stevie” Gray Hawk Sr., 90, died June 1, 2021, at the Poplar Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1930, to Benjamin Gray Hawk Sr. and Josephine Kidder. He was born in Wolf Point, but was raised in Poplar. Throughout his years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Quite a story most of us would hear if you knew him. After his service for the U.S., he made his way back to Poplar where he met Edna Snell, whom he married on June 20, 1955, and started a family. They added several children to their union: Steven Jr., Josie, Maude, Kenneth, Patty and Barbara. He was well known for his career in law enforcement. Starting out in the early ‘70s, he was a tribal police officer for a number of years. He left this for a job with the Fort Peck Tribes, but that just didn’t satisfy his cravings for serving the community. He returned starting out as a juvenile officer in the ‘80s, eventually becoming lead juvenile officer, becoming director of this job. In 1991, William “Bill” Beck needed help in starting the Poplar Police Department. He called on Stephen to help. He accepted and was appointed as police chief of the department. After months of hard work, he formed the department into a 24-hour-a-day, several-man force. During this time, he was also active in achieving for the youth. He created “We Care For Kids” during this time and was also known as “Grandpa” throughout the reservation. He was also a strong supporter of veterans and their affairs. He also provided support for the local parades by announcing the floats and even emceed during Wild West Days and pow-wows. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on electronics and even started a small business for local repair. He enjoyed spending time on yard work, volunteering or helping out wherever he was needed. He was always a kind, caring individual who always had a story to tell, a hand to lend and a joke to make you laugh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; children, Josie, Barbara, Kenneth and Maude; granddaughter, Miranda Martinez; great-granddaughter, Felony Swan; and brother, Benji Gray Hawk Sr. He is survived by his children, Steven Gray Hawk, Patricia Martinez; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and sister, Ida Cantrell. Funeral services were held Monday, June 7, at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Burial with military honors was in the Poplar City Cemetery.