Richard Elliott Knupfer

Richard Elliott (Burks) Knupfer, age 83, of Vernal, Utah, died peacefully next to his loving wife Phyllis of 56 years, on August 20, 2024. He was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941 to Richard and Alberta Burks-Knupfer, 5 months to the day before Pearl Harbor was attacked. While his father was fighting overseas in World War II, he moved to Oakland, California to live with his mother and her parents. One year after graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and, about 5 ½ years into his career with the Navy, he joined the LDS Church. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life and fellow member, Phyllis Morgan. Richard enjoyed genealogy, woodworking, photography, and gardening. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Alberta and Hans Knupfer and is survived by his wife Phyllis, his sister Carolyn and brother Bob, his children Rick and Heidi, his grandchildren Kadee, Jennifer, Madison, Max, Spencer, and Aramis, as well as his great-grandchildren Nora, Luca, and Cecelia. The family sincerely appreciates the exceptional care provided by Holly and Tonja at the Landmark Care Facility, as well as the support from the Rocky Mountain caregivers. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Denise, a dear family friend and fellow church member, for her patience, kindness, guidance, and assistance during this time. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday August 31, 2024, at 8:30am ~ 9:30am at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held that morning at 10:00am in Vernal Memorial Park. Military Honors by the American Legion Post 11 & the Patriot Riders of Utah.