Gene Knapp

Gene Knapp passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2026, from acute respiratory failure, surrounded by a lifetime of memories built through family, hard work, competition, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Gene was born November 23, 1945, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the youngest of six children born to Valdamar “Val” and Minnie Knapp. He grew up on a small farm near Rapid City alongside his brothers and sisters, where he learned early the value of hard work, figuring things out with his own two hands, and making the most of what you had.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Gene was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training, he served as an instructor, a role that suited something that would remain a part of him throughout his life—his ability and willingness to teach others. After completing his service, Gene was honorably discharged and returned home to begin the next chapter of his life.

Gene spent his working years in the floor covering and building trades, eventually working as a contractor. Building was more than a profession to him. He understood how things went together, took pride in doing a job right, and was always willing to share what he knew with someone who wanted to learn.

But Gene was never a man defined only by his work. He believed life was meant to be enjoyed, and when Gene found something he loved, he pursued it wholeheartedly.

He loved bowling and became an accomplished competitor, winning numerous titles over the years. He loved hunting and snowmobiling, but perhaps nothing captured his competitive spirit quite like racing. Gene began racing when he was around 18 years old and stayed involved until he was 60. Sprint car racing held a special place in his heart—the speed, the competition, the mechanics, and the people surrounding the sport.

Some of Gene’s greatest enjoyment, however, didn’t necessarily come from winning a race or a bowling title. It came when a young person showed an interest in something he knew and loved. Whether it was racing, building, or simply learning how something worked, Gene was eager to teach. He enjoyed passing along what he had learned and inspiring kids to discover what they were capable of doing for themselves. Teaching the next generation was one of the quiet ways Gene left his mark on the world.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Val and Minnie Knapp; his brothers, Charles and Dean; and his sisters, Fern, Irene, and Carol.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rhonda; his son, Andy Knapp and wife Laura; his daughter, Jenny Galbraith and husband Brett; his granddaughters, Madison and Kaitlin Knapp and Alexis and Alyssa Galbraith; his brother-in-law Brian Helwig and sister-in-laws, Debbie Helwig, Julie Eickman, and Edith Knapp; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gene’s life was one of hard work, competition, family, and a genuine enjoyment of sharing what he knew with others. From the farm outside Rapid City, to his years in the Army, to construction sites, bowling alleys, snow-covered trails, and racetracks, Gene lived a life filled with the things and people he loved.

And perhaps one of the best ways to remember Gene is this: if you wanted to learn, he was willing to teach you. If you wanted to build something, he would show you how. And if there was a race to be run, Gene was always ready to see just how fast you could go.