Tony Kniffen • 1960 - 2011

Tony Kniffen, 50, Minot, ND, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011, in a Minneapolis, MN, hospital.

Anthony Raymond Kniffen was born May 26, 1960, a son of Raymond and Phyllis (Cox) Kniffen, in Ontario, Oregon. He was raised and educated in White City, OR.

Tony enlisted in the United States Air Force April 2, 1980. He was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT, where he met his future wife, Annette J. Dean. They were married on July 8, 1982. They were also stationed at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Kuhn son Air Force Base in Korea, and the Minot Air Force Base, where he retired from active duty on June 30, 1995.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he and his family opened Tuff Trucks in September of 1995, which he had owned and operated until the time of his death.

While living in Maryland, he volunteered his time and 4 wheel drive truck with the transportation of several doctors and nurses of the Southern Maryland Hospital to and from the hospital during a large winter storm. He was later awarded a dinner by the C.E.O. of the hospital. He enjoyed stock car racing, camping, and hunting. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was a member of the NODAK Race Club and the American Legion Post #26, both of Minot.

His loving family includes:  wife of 28 years, Annette, Minot; son, Jason Kniffen, Minot; daughter, Coral (Brian) Olson, Minot; grandson, Landon Olson; mother and father, Phyllis and Raymond Kniffen, White City, OR; brothers, Ron (Mary) Kniffen, Minot, Ray (Deb) Kniffen, Jr., White City, OR, and Wayne (Rachel) Kniffen, Shady Cove, OR; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Willis Raymond Cox and Marjorie Mae Cox; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Knight Dean.

Funeral: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Minot.

Interment:  Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation:  Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Anthony Kniffen Benefit Fund, c/o First Western Bank, Minot, to help care for his medical expenses.

Officiant: Pastor Dr. Bob Edwards

Special CD Music Selections
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill
 “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
DeVera Bowles, Organist

Honorary Bearers: Tony’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Ron Kniffen, Ray Kniffen Jr.,  Wayne Kniffen, Jason Kniffen,  Brian Olson,  Phil Dean

Military honors accorded by the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Following the graveside service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the fellowship hall.  

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Tony.

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