Amy Jean (Rood) Knopps

Amy Jean Knopps, 87, of Willmar, died Friday, May 1, 2026, at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck.

Her memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Kerkhoven.

Amy was born February 17, 1939, in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, to Edwin and Amanda (Johnson) Rood. She was baptized at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church near New London and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church near Murdock. She grew up and attended school in Murdock, graduating from Murdock High School in 1958.

In July 1958, she married Donald Olson at Bethesda Lutheran Church. They made their home in Murdock and later Swift Falls, and five children—Wendy, Gary, David, Brian, and Julie—were born to their union. They later divorced.

Amy moved to Willmar in 1982. In July 1988, she married Roland Serbus at First Covenant Church in Willmar. Roland passed away in 2007. In June 2015, Amy married Ignatius “Nash” Knopps at First Covenant Church. Nash passed away in 2018. Amy continued to live in Willmar until moving to care facilities in Benson and later to Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck.

Amy was a member of First Covenant Church in Willmar. She was a gifted and talented artist who enjoyed painting, drawing, ceramics, quilting, and needlework. She loved arranging flowers and created many beautiful arrangements. Amy also enjoyed singing and was a member of Sweet Adelines and the Joyful Messengers for many years.

Amy is survived by her five children: Wendy Bakke of Hutchinson; Gary (Donna) Olson of Swift Falls; David (Heather) Olson of Lawrence, KS; Brian (Nancy) Olson of Morris; and Julie (Craig) Hanson of Belgrade; 15 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Roland Serbus and Ignatius “Nash” Knopps.

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