Arthur Knapstad

Arthur Ray Knapstad, age 80, died on January 9, 2026, in Choteau, Montana. He was born on June 13, 1945, in Great Falls, Montana, to Marvin and Margaret Knapstad. He was raised in Montana and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1964.

Arthur joined the United States Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts for his service. He was stationed in Bangor, Washington, where he met Barbara Buffington. They were married on August 1, 1969, and later moved to Great Falls, Montana, where they raised four children.

Arthur worked many jobs throughout his life, including as a ranch hand before moving into construction, where he helped build the Glacier Park Lodge. He spent much of his free time cultivating his passion for hunting and fishing.

While living in Choteau, Montana, Arthur met his current wife, Melody Roberts, and three children were added to the family. In his later years, Arthur enjoyed watching Westerns, spending time with his wife and family, and renovating his house and property. He was heavily involved with the VFW and its outreach programs, including Toys for Tots. Arthur never met a stranger and made connections within every community he was part of. His friends and relatives could always count on him to take the time to help with whatever needed to be done.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Melody Knapstad, of Choteau, Montana; his children: Gordon Knapstad of Montana; Lori (William) Crawford of Lake Tapps, Washington; Gregory Knapstad of Great Falls, Montana; Robert (Martha) Knott of El Paso, Texas; Raeshall Deshner of Choteau, Montana; and Randy Sommer of Springfield, Missouri; and his brother, Carl (Diane) Knapstad of Meridian, Idaho; brother Jim Knapstad and sister Carla Goodwin of Great Falls, Montana. He is also survived by a large extended family, including 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Margaret Knapstad; his brothers, Robert and Melvin Knapstad; his sister, Esther Knapstad; and his son, Glenn Knapstad.

Arthur will be deeply missed by his family and by all whose hearts he touched.

Final arrangements are being handled by Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau, Montana. A memorial service and interment with military honors will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Toys for Tots program, which is run by the Marine Corps League.