Douglas Wayne Knoop, age 74, of Hibbing died Friday, November 13, 2009 at home following his courageous battle with cancer. Wayne was born November 13, 1935 in North Hibbing, MN to Herman and Jeanne (Showers) Knoop. His early years were spent at Thistledew, MN where his father was a Forest Ranger. He attended Togo school until his father's transfer to Side Lake, MN. He attended the one room school at Side Lake, then Hibbing High School where he graduated in 1953.
He worked at the Market Basket grocery store until entering the U.S. Army in 1956. In the Army, Wayne was a helicopter mechanic stationed in PA, and worked at the Philadelphia Airport. While in PA, he met his future bride, Ann Marie Boland. They were married on May 21, 1958 in Elkton, MD.
Returning to Hibbing, Wayne worked for the Market Basket, Jetty Beverage, and Eveleth Mines from which he retired in March 1998.
Wayne's favorite pastime was hunting with his sons, and later his grandchildren. They also enjoyed watching NASCAR races together and putting together their "fantasy racing teams". He loved to drive and he and his wife took several trips out west visiting many National Parks.
Upon his retirement, Wayne could be seen around town and on the Mesabi Walking Trail where he walked up to seven miles a day. He enjoyed "coffee time" at Hibbing Family Restaurant where all the problems of the day were solved.
He was loved and will be missed by his wife of 51 years: Ann Marie; his brother: Keith (Barbara) Knoop of Hibbing; sons: Kevin (Lisa) of Forest Lake, MN, Brian (Ella) of Blaine MN, and Darren (Lori) of Rosemount, MN; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a niece Lisa (Jon) Giles, and special sister-in-law: Pat Stewart.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 27, 2009, in the Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home chapel. Pastor Dan Smith will officiate. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the chapel. The family prefers that memorials be directed to North Star Hospice.
Family Services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing. To leave remembrances of Wayne on-line please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.


Born: November 13, 1935 Place of Birth: North Hibbing, MN Death: November 13, 2009 Place of Death: at home following his courageous battle with cancer. Occupation: Miner at Eveleth Mines Hobbies: Hunting with his sons and grandchildren; watching NASCAR races; loved to drive with Ann Marie on trips out west. Memorial Service Friday November 27, 2009 , 11:00 a.m. at Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel
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