Category: Obituary: K

The Rev. Ronald “Ron” Wayne Knapp died on October 21, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).

Ron was born on January 27, 1934, in Kenosha WI, to Harvey J. Knapp and Ellen Packman Knapp. He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Kenosha High School. His family had a deep connection to the Methodist Church. In his youth, Ron was very much influenced by the ministers in his home church and desired to become a minister. He thought of ministry in terms of people rather than the doctrines and practices of the church. In 1957, Ron earned his Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan College, following which he pursued his theological education at Drew University NJ, obtaining a Bachelor of Divinity (1961). Later in 1973, he received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College NH.

Ron served in the Methodist ministry for eleven years, the first eight years as a student, and the last two and a half years in full-time work. Over time, he reached a crisis in his own life and theology. He discovered that he had forced himself to accept the doctrines and practices he could not accept with an open mind. This theological and sacramental estrangement made him study Unitarian Universalist perspectives. He felt that the presuppositions of UUism reflected his own. This was the place where his actual convictions were more acceptable. He decided to become a minister in the UU tradition and continue in the ministry, exercising a ministry of compassion.

From 1965–1968, the Rev. Knapp served the Federated Church, Avon IL. Subsequently, he served both All Souls Unitarian Church in Windsor VT, and the First Universalist Church in Claremont NH. Eventually he guided the merger of these two congregations into the UU Meeting House in Ascutney VT, where he continued his ministry through 1975. In 1976, he accepted a call from the First Unitarian Church, Omaha NE, and served for the next two decades. His tenure in Omaha was marked by significant achievements, including major renovations to the church, several televised Sunday morning services, and the organization of Nebraska Advocates for Nursing Home Residents. Under his leadership, the church achieved a National Landmark designation, recognizing its historic Georgian Revival architecture. The congregation also celebrated the building’s 75th anniversary, a milestone in its rich history. In 1996, the Rev. Knapp retired from his ministry, and in 1997, the church honored him as their minister emeritus. Following retirement, the Rev. Knapp continued his ministry serving congregations in Yuma AZ, and Auckland, New Zealand. His time in New Zealand included four months of dedicated work with the Auckland Unitarian Church.

The Rev. Knapp was an active and dedicated leader of the denomination, serving as president of two UUMA chapters. He was a board member in two UUA districts and served on extension, nomination, and district executive search committees. He conducted workshops on “Science and Religion” and “Literature and Religion” at the Lake Geneva Summer Assembly. Furthermore, he was a Good Office person for the Prairie Star District chapter of the UUMA.

Ron was involved with several organizations and activities with his interests in peace concerns, community action agencies, libraries, regional health care, Planned Parenthood, prison reform, civil rights, and abortion rights. In Omaha, he was the founder of the Nebraska Nursing Home Advisory and Research Council. He was vice-president and program chairman of the United Nations Association chapter in Battle Creek MI.  He published four books, including Of Life Immense, the Prophetic Vision of Walt Whitman and Oneness, Thoughts on a Humanistic Theology of Everything.

Ron was a lover of science, nature, and poetry. He regarded the Earth as sacred, and poetry as scripture. He had a special interest in environmental and wildlife protection issues. He enjoyed nature, hiking, outdoor activities, traveling, and woodworking.

Ron is survived by his wife of 71 years Anne Knapp; his brother Dale Knapp; children John Knapp (Jacki), Kyle Knapp (Gail), Ronda Strimple (Hank), Forrest Knapp, Corellen Allendorfer (Phil); brother-in-law Alvin Doerfler (Duffy); sister-in-law Lillian Knapp; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on November 9, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Omaha, 3114 Harney St, Omaha NE 68131. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Unitarian Church of Omaha NE. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Margaret A. Keip died on October 16, 2024, at the age of 86 (1938-2024).

Margaret is survived by her husband Fred F. Keip, and her children David Keip, Jeffrey Keip, and Kristen Cunningham. 

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass OR in 2025. (Date to be decided.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass, PO Box 1602, Grants Pass OR 97528. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.” 

Notes of condolence may be sent to Fred Keip, 1700 Kellenbeck Ave., Apt 107, Grants Pass OR 97527. 

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com. 

The Rev. Frederick “Rick” Turner Koyle died on March 15, 2024, at the age of 79 (1944-2024). Rick is survived by his cousins: Alice Kaseberg and Pete Bluett; Deerfield Academy classmates; as well as his colleagues and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1510 Dale St N, St Paul MN 55117.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. Notes of condolence can be written here.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com. 

The Rev. Barbara Jean Kulcher died on February 20, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931–2024).

Barbara was born on June 26, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to James M. McClughan and Edna May McClughan. She was an only child and raised in the Anglican tradition. Her family frequently moved and for a while lived in a rural section of Ontario, Canada. Barbara did quite well in school, completed her high school education at a fundamentalist school in Saskatchewan (1948), and received her RN in psychiatric nursing in 1953. 

She then took a position as the sole clinical person in an isolated power station in northern Manitoba. Over the years Barbara worked in orthopedics, obstetrics, and neurosurgery. She moved to Ontario with her husband and had four children before their separation.

While in Ontario, Barbara became active at the First Unitarian Hamilton, Ontario. She served the church, first as a church school director from (1965–1968) and then as a church administrator (1969–1974). As a church administrator, she served a key role in the life of the church as she bridged the gap between the departure of the minister Rev. Bob Hemstreet, and the development of the church into a dynamic fellowship. She worked closely with the church service committee to provide meaningful Sunday services which blended people from the church and the larger community with visiting UU ministers. She went beyond the role of administrator, initiated several groups in the church, and kept abreast with new RE developments.

Over years of growth and transformation into a warm, caring religious community, her function became more pastoral than administrative, and she was able to acknowledge her desire to serve as a minister. Unitarianism offered her a chance to grow, as she was exposed to an affirming, reconciling, religious experience. In 1979, she received her Master of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary.

Rev. Kulcher was ordained on September 28, 1980, by the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, Ontario. From 1980 to 1981, she served the UU Congregation of Jamestown NY, and then spent her predominant years as a chaplain at the following institutions: Ontario Correctional Institute, ON; Huronia Regional Center, ON; Hamilton Wentworth, ON; Toronto Jail, ON; Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, ON; and Brantford Jail, ON. In a newspaper

article (Hamilton Spectator) in 1985, she was quoted as stating the importance of “befriending the forgotten and offering words of grace and hope to the frightened and often lonely inmates.”

Rev. Kulcher was a strong supporter of the denomination. She was extensively involved with the Canadian Unitarian Council, St. Lawrence UU District, the UU Women’s Federation, and Unicamp of Ontario (1977).

Barbara was famous for her pies, specifically apple and lemon meringue. She was an avid reader, enjoying history, historical fiction, and science fiction. She was a prolific writer, who spent many hours revising and perfecting her heartfelt and deeply engaging papers, articles, and sermons. She greatly valued the act of saying kind or funny things to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Barbara is survived by and loved and remembered by her four children: David Kulcher, Lisa Kulcher-Heaney (Kieran Heaney), Laurie Kulcher, and Kelly Kulcher (Lori Kulcher); six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service took place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, 170 Dundurn St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4K3, Canada.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke, 125 Redfern Ave, Hamilton, ON L9C 7W9, Canada.

Notes of condolences may be sent to lkheaney50@gmail.com.

Dorothy Carol (Walker) Kjelshus passed away Nov. 14, 2023 in her home in Greenwood MO, at age 99. Carol was born August 8, 1924, to Wesley and Elizabeth Walker. She grew up in Iowa county, Dodgeville WI. She graduated from high school there and attended Platteville State College in Platteville WI. She joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps and then attended and graduated from the Kahler Hospital School of Nursing, Rochester MN, in 1946. She earned a bachelor of science in public health nursing from the University of Minnesota medical school. 

Carol met Ben Kjelshus while at the University of Minnesota and they married in Dec. 1949. Carol worked as a county public health nurse in Cook County, IL, and in Cuyahoga County OH. She worked as a community mental health nurse at Western Missouri Mental Health Center in Kansas City until retirement.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Rev. Rev. Bjarne (Ben) Kjelshus, and two sisters: Joyce Kirschbaum (Pat) and Margaret Peat (Delmar). She is survived by her three children: Jon (Cheryle), Karen Hinkle, and Eric; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Carol enjoyed being a Mom and being married. She enjoyed seeing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. Carol was an avid reader all her life and enjoyed getting a new supply of books and magazines to read when she was not able to get out as much. She took pleasure in sewing and making lap quilts to donate and knitting caps and mittens. She was a committed bee keeper for many years enjoying taking care of her “girls,”

A Celebration of Life took place December 23, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City. A service of remembrance and interment of ashes took place July 27, 2024, at Nora Unitarian Universalist Church, Hanska MN. 

The Rev. Brian S. Kopke died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 77.

Brian was born on March 6, 1945, in Newton, MA to Walter F. Kopke Jr. and Blanche K. Kopke. He attended Duxbury High School (MA), and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Colby College (ME) in 1964. While at Colby, he was president of the Inter-Faith Association. During his tenure, a coffee house was inaugurated. 

Following graduation, Brian felt called upon to make a decision that would have a bearing for the rest of his life. Back in childhood, he knew that the minister was a respected man with responsibility for the respect bestowed upon him. The cumulative experiences of life led him to believe that he could do the greater good by becoming a minister. With confidence in his sense of responsibility and sincerity, he entered Harvard Divinity School, earning his Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1970.

Rev. Kopke was ordained on June 21, 1970, by the church he grew up in, the First Parish Church at Duxbury MA. He served the First Parish as a Religious Education Director for two years, contributing to the development of the Church School Curriculum. With new enthusiasm he helped revise programs for the upper grades, inspired the teachers to try out new methods, and conducted chapel services for the entire Church School every Sunday. He was very well received by the children and had a great rapport with the youth. 

In 1972, he accepted a call from the First Universalist Church of Southold NY where he would serve until 1977. From 1977 to 1984, Rev. Kopke served as settled minister for the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia PA. During his service of seven years, the deep financial deficits diminished, the sanctuary was restored, the Parish Room was refurbished, the roof replaced, and staff rebuilt. Pledges rose by nearly 60 percent, and membership increased by 10 percent. The building became a true community center with the great commitment of the laypeople. 

Subsequently, in 1985 Rev. Kopke was called to the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa ON. He served there until 2007, introducing the congregation to larger thinking that made headway in acceptance of the philosophy and design for growth. There was development in the church campus including U House, River Parkway Preschool, the congregation, and the meditation gardens as a center.

In addition to his parish ministry, Rev. Kopke was equally active in denominational affairs serving as a chair of the Joseph Priestley District Religious Education Committee; as a secretary of the ABSUURD UUMA cluster; and as a board member of the UU House Steering Committee. He was a member of the Canadian Unitarian Council and the UU Ministers of Canada. He served on the nominating committee of the Canadian Unitarian Council (1989–1991) and was a group facilitator and participant in the UUA Theological Education Plenary (1989). Furthermore, he provided his services as a UUMA Chapter leader (2004–2009), and as a member of the UUMA Convo Committee (2005).

In community, Brian advocated for a fair police complaint procedure and fair promotion and hiring practices in the Police Department. He served on the board of the Horizon House (MA). He was a passionate voice for social justice, a leader with great social sensitivity and the highest ethical convictions who believed human relations as sacred and holy.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed watercolor, drawing, sailing, racketball, jogging, woodworking, campaigning, hiking, gardening, movie making, and reading.

Brian is survived by his wife Margie Kopke; three children, Ben Kopke (Caddie), Sarah Kopke (Ben), and Sam Kopke; three brothers Cris Kopke (Jean), Kent Kopke (Colette), and Joel Kopke (Drew); one sister, Sara Harvey (John); two grandchildren Eleanor and Eamonn Kopke; and several nieces and nephews.

Two celebrations of life are being planned, one in the US and one in Canada (in the summer and fall respectively). UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support rebuilding the First Universalist Church of Southold <http://firstuniversalistsouthold.org/connect-2/donate/>. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 221, Southold NY 11971, with “Restoration Fund” in the memo line.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Margie Kopke at m.saxon.kopke@gmail.com or written here: <https://www.remembering.ca/obituary/brian-kopke-1087232660/guestbook>.

The Rev. David P. Keyes died on September 13, 2022, at the age of 77.

David was born on January 21, 1945, in Kansas City MO to G.J. Keyes and Carolyn Keyes Ellis. He spent his childhood years in Kansas City and Gallatin MO, mostly with his grandparents. His own Parish Minister, Dr. Jack Wilson (Baptist) was a strong role model for him. David led his high school church youth group but soon became alienated by small-mindedness and began wandering. He could no longer stand the Baptist literalism; in 1960,he joined All Souls Church in Kansas City. (Dr. Wilson later became an Episcopalian.) From the first Sunday at the Kansas City church, David felt that the Unitarians took him in and showed a larger world, one filled with tolerance, new ideas, and a love of knowledge, art, culture, and music. He felt a sense of gratitude and a sense of belonging.

Shortly after joining All Souls, he was off to the University of Missouri, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Education (1966) and earning a Master of Arts in Journalism (1971). He worked for fifteen years as a teacher, journalist, editor, and public relations executive before following his call to ministry. In 1985, he received his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry. In 1997, he earned his Doctorate in Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His doctoral dissertation is titled: “Global Partnership: Mission and Identity for Congregations.”

Rev. Dr. Keyes was ordained on May 5, 1985, by All Souls in New York. He served his first settled ministry at the First Parish Church in Taunton MA (1986–1987). His ministry marked significant gains in membership, Sunday attendance, Church School enrollment, and pledge income. He organized a youth group and choir and initiated a long-range planning process. 

From 1987 to 1988, Rev. Dr. Keyes was an interim minister at Boise UU Fellowship, ID. He developed a program that led to the construction of a new church building. Next, Rev. Dr. Keyes served his second settled ministry at the Skyline Community Church, Oakland CA (1990-1994). He helped rebuild the Religious Education program and provided leadership for several community programs, including tutoring and violence prevention. All his subsequent ministries were interim, while he maintained his home in San Francisco.

At the Congregational Community Church in Sunnyvale CA (1995–1997), Rev. Dr. Keyes helped the congregation to turn itself around and learn to trust. The pledging doubled in his first year and the congregation became a full-service church. The UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County, CA (1997–1998) widely appreciated Rev. Dr. Keyes for his courage in naming conflictual congregational issues and creating the necessary congregational momentum and structures to address them.

Likewise, Rev. Dr. Keyes guided the UU Church Davis, CA (1998–2000) through the interim tasks. He was very diligent in pastoral care and reimagined church governance adopting a modified version of the John Carver Model. He provided valuable insight, advice, and necessary goading to All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington DC (2000–2001). He reorganized lay leadership that had drifted, worked with lay leaders to reshape church governance, and tackled an array of programs including a declining church school. 

Subsequently, he served the First Unitarian Church of Rochester NY (2002–2003) and made significant progress in the exploration of new models of governance, initiation of a small group ministry program, and a major overhaul of the canvass.

From 2003 to 2004, Rev. Dr. Keyes served the Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena CA and then the UU Congregation of Atlanta GA from 2005 to 2007. At the Atlanta congregation, he elevated the needs of Youth Religious Education (YRE), encouraged YRE to be more vocal about its needs, and advocated strongly for them during the search process for a new minister. He did it in a way that strengthened the connection between YRE and leadership. Thereafter, he provided his interim services to the following congregations: the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor MI (2007–2008); the First UU Church of Houston TX (2008–2010); Eliot Unitarian Chapel, MO (2010–2012); the UU Church of Arlington VA (2012–2014) and Foothills Unitarian Church, Fort Collins CO (2014–2015). He retired in 2016.

Rev. Dr. Keyes’ mission in ministry was to strengthen congregations in times of transition. In every interim ministry position he held, he made notable progress in raising awareness of the importance of R.E., recruiting teachers from a wider cross-section of the congregation, and having children and youth be more visible in worship. He encouraged and empowered new lay leadership. In 1998 he earned the Accredited Interim Minister (AIM) designation. He was also a marvelous preacher and brought a depth of faith rooted in the history and traditions of the church.

Rev. Dr. Keyes served as an associate faculty of Starr King School for the Ministry (1991–2002). In 1993, he spent his sabbatical leave among Unitarians of Hungary and Transylvania lecturing on UU history and theology at the seminary in Kolozsvar, Transylvania. He was also active in international church relations, visiting congregations in Hungary, India, and the Philippines. 

In addition, he was the Founding President of Project Harvest Hope, a UUA-affiliated foundation for economic justice and development (1995–2001) and was President of the UUMA Pacific Central District Chapter (1997–1998). He was a trainer of interim ministers of the UUA (1999–2003) and chaired the UUA Interim Ministry Steering Committee (2001–2002). In 1997, he delivered the Minns Lecture titled, “A Global Vision for Unitarian Universalism,” out of which came his book “Most Like an Arch: Building Global Church Partnerships.” In 2013, the UU Partner Church Council awarded Rev. Dr. Keyes the Louis C. Cornish Living the Mission Award for Outstanding Contribution to International Partnership.

In the community, David served as a Disaster Service Volunteer for the American Red Cross; a founder of the Oakland Coalition of Congregations Violence Prevention Project (1993). In his leisure time, he enjoyed baseball, opera, and hiking.

David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Droz Keyes, their daughter Tracy Droz Tragos, son-in-law Christian Tragos, and grandchildren Charlotte and Sam Tragos; his daughter Tanya Mackenzie, son-in-law Ian Mackenzie, and grandchildren Ian and David Graham, and Leah Patrick; and his son Paul Keyes and daughter-in-law Christina Keyes.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco CA 94108. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to WRAAP, 2633 Lincoln Blvd., #338, Santa Monica CA 90405, or to a similar organization. Notes of condolences can be written HERE

The Rev. charles “charlie” g. kast died on July 18, 2022, at the age of 81.

charlie is survived by his sisters and his loving friends and colleagues.

A celebration of charlie’s life was held on Saturday, August 20, at 11:00 am at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, 106 Purefoy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Memorial gifts may be made to the National LGBTQ Task Force, P.O. Box 96415, Washington, DC 20077-9763. Notes of condolences can be sent to the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist (address above).