Arlene Kniepkamp

Billings, Montana: Arlene Mae Kalloch Kniepkamp, age 77, of Circle, Montana, joined the heavenly orchestra of angels on June 17, 2011 at the Deaconess Hospital in Billings. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the First Lutheran Church in Circle, Montana with Pastor Jim Locke officiating. Following the service, lunch will be served in the church. Interment will be held at a later date. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Arlene was born on August 4, 1933 to Ira and Ella (Nelson) Kalloch. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive, Montana with the class of 1951. Arlene enjoyed growing up in Glendive and especially enjoyed her Kalloch and Nelson cousins with whom she remained close throughout her life. Music and dance were very much a part of her life. She met Stan at a dance and they were married in 1951. Their first piece of furniture for their country home was a piano, a gift from her husband. The city girl became very comfortable in her role as a country wife. She became adept at whatever that role included whether it was the "night nurse" in the lambing barn or a great cook in her kitchen. There was always room for one more at the family table as the Kniepkamp household always had extras; Arlene regularly cooked for twenty or more people. Arlene was in her delight as mom, grandma, and more recently great grandma, lovingly referred to as "GiGi." She was happiest when cuddling a child on her lap and giving one of her famous back rubs. She taught her children and grandchildren many games, including whist and pinochle. Arlene always had time for her family who appreciated her encouragement and strong foundation. Arlene was always active in her community, she served in many positions at the First Lutheran Church, still playing for Sunday School into her 70's. She had a wonderful time with her bridge club, looking forward to Tuesdays. Arlene was very active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary serving on all levels, including local, district and state as musician and president. She was also the national musician for many years. Arlene encouraged her family to use music to help others by presenting musical programs at nursing homes, fund raisers and banquets. Over the years, Troupe Kniepkamp presented many musical productions in Billings for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Western Conferences and National Commander's Homecoming. Sharing her love of music was simply a part of Arlene's everyday life, still enjoying that piano given to her 60 years ago! Ambitious and able to wear many hats, Arlene was quite the entrepreneur. Arlene gave piano lessons, sold pianos and played in dance bands, eventually teaming up with her sons to form the We 3 K's. Arlene also worked as a aid at both the McCone County Hospital and eventually the nursing home. Later in life she tackled the computer and worked at the McCone County Courthouse. Arlene also enjoyed working as a clerk for her son's action company, playing the piano at his land actions and helping her daughter in photography. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Carl, Richard and Norman and sister, Bev Beckman. The two sisters were battling together in the Intensive care Unit, passing away the same week. She is survived by her husband of 60 years; four children, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They included daughter, Deb and Charlie Mooer--family, Jeremy, Kristen and Covin Mooer, Teresa, Brent and Liam Schulte and Michelle and Chad Palmer; son, Rick and Donna Kniepkamp family-- Kristi, Kevin and Miya Mae Chase, Staci and Doug Hammell and Tiffany and Jaden Erwin; son, Randy and Ann Kniepkamp family-- Erin and Ellie; son, Mike and Kathy Kniepkamp family-- Tara and Shane Bjornson, Katie and Tyler; brother, Bob Kalloch. Her smiling face, infectious personality and musical talents will be missed by many. For now, however, Arlene is very busy working with the orchestra of angels, playing piano and jazzing up heaven's music, while trying to keep her sister in line!

Arlene Kniepkamp

August 4, 1933 - June 22, 2011

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Arlene Kniepkamp

August 4, 1933 - June 22, 2011

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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