Jacob Edgar Karnop, 83, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 17, 2022. A celebration of life will be held at Living Grace Church (3525 First Avenue North, Great Falls) on September 30, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Jake was the oldest son of Herman Gwen Karnop and Helen Keihl Karnop, and grandson of Wheatland County Pioneers, Jacob and Ida Karnop and Edgar and Verda Keihl. He was born in the Great Falls Deaconess Hospital on July 11, 1939. He lived with his parents in Harlowton, Montana until his dad entered the U.S. Navy, and served as a landing craft operator in the Pacific during World War II. Jake lived with his mother and siblings at his Keihl grandparent’s ranch in the Little Belt Mountains. When Jake started first grade they returned to Harlowton.
After he graduated from Harlowton High School in 1959, Jake attended Rocky Mountain College for two years and then transferred to Montana State College (now University). He graduated in 1962 and went to work at San Bernardino Logistics Center as a rocket propulsion engineer at Edwards Air Force Base Rocket Test Facility. In May 1965, the Atlas and Titan weapons systems programs were terminated, and Jake moved to Great Falls to work for the Malmstrom Air Force Base Civil Engineering Squadron during the construction of the 564th Missile Squadron. Two years later the Squadron Commander asked him to take over the Planning and Program Development section. He later became the Environmental Compliance Branch Supervisor.
Jake married Bernice Skillman in 1968 and they enjoyed 54 years together, traveling often to their cabin in the Little Belt Mountains.
He retired from Civil Service in 1994 as a result of medical issues. He was an active volunteer at Living Grace Church (formerly Grace Baptist Church), Neighborhood Council 5, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).
Jake is survived by his wife, Bernice; son, Steve Karnop of Colstrip; daughter, Jill and her husband, Curtis Hunt; and grandchildren, Laurel, Jonah, Elijah, and Silas Hunt, of Great Falls, all of whom he dearly loved. He is also survived by brothers, Chuck (Janie) Karnop of Bozeman and Bob (Neta) Karnop of Billings; and his sister, Karen (Ron) Yakel, of Glendive; along with nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Tina and Kayleen and other Home Hospice nurses, the Peace Hospice House staff, and Living Grace Pastors Andre and Peggy Murphy for their support during the past year.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be given to Living Grace Benevolent Fund, to Compassion International, or to any worthy cause.
