Michael Knopik

Michael Stephen Knopik

May 8, 1942—June 16, 2025

Michael Stephen Knopik passed away peacefully at home after saying goodbye to his loving family.

Michael (Mike) was born on May 8, 1942 at the family home in Belfield, North Dakota to John and Magdalene Knopik. Mike attended school in Belfield, North Dakota where he was an outstanding athlete. His lifetime love of basketball began as a Belfield Bantam.

After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, trained in Signals Intelligence and was stationed in Germany. While in Germany he was a member of the USA Army traveling basketball team which took him to many European countries. Upon completion of his military service, he enrolled in Dickinson State College, Dickinson, ND. Mike majored in math with an education degree. He played basketball for the very successful DSC Savages. He was honored to have Coach LaVern Jessen as his coach.

In 1967 he married Janice D. Brettin. The preppy basketball player married a cowgirl; and they were blessed with 57 years together as best friends. A wonderful son, John Michael and a wonderful daughter, Joni Kaye made the family complete.

Mike taught math and coached basketball in Richardton, ND. He worked for Boeing in Everett, WA as an Industrial Engineer where he saw the first flight of the Boeing 747. Coaching basketball ran deep in his veins and when Coach Jessen called about a great coaching job in Rugby, ND, Mike headed back to ND. In 1972 after moving to Baker, Montana Mike taught math, coached junior high basketball and assisted his wife in coaching the BHS girls basketball team. In 1976 Mike went to work as an insurance adjuster. His analytic and curious mind served him well.

Mike never gave up on his love for basketball. He was a successful MOA basketball referee who officiated several state basketball tournaments. He spent many hours teaching his son, daughter and countless athletes the finer points of the game. In 2010 he retired from coaching at Frenchtown School District but continued working with his grandsons to develop their skills and to instill the love of basketball.

He loved working in the forest on his property; thinning, logging, clearing debris to provide defensible space. Encountering and viewing wildlife was always a highlight.

Mike was a very strong man who endured many challenging times in his life. His children and grandchildren affectionally called him IRON MIKE. His family was the most important aspect of his life. He was blessed with a very loving and supportive family who will carry on his legacy.

Mike is survived by Janice, his lovely wife, of 57 years, his son, John Michael (Jennifer), grandsons: Cole, Asher and Carter Knopik and his daughter Joni Kaye, granddaughter Morgan Hardy and grandsons Connor and Aidan Hardy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved father-in-law John M. Brettin and his infant daughter Michelle

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Reis and the staff at Providence Infusion Center for the excellent care given to Mike. Partners in Home Health Care provided much comfort to Mike and his family.