Mary Katherine Knigge

Mary Katherine Burt-Knigge was born in Kimball, NE, on June 9, 1947, and passed away on November 30, 2024, in Gillette, WY. Mary spent her early life in Pine Bluffs, WY; until she and her brother Kenny moved to be with their mother, Alycia Burt, in New Orleans, LA. Sadly, this only lasted about eight months, as she passed away suddenly. At which time they returned to their father and grandmother, Elda Everhart-Burt, in Pine Bluffs, WY. Eventually they followed the jobs in the oil rigs to Gillette, WY, where she met Gordan Knigge, the love of her life. Together they had two children, Kathy Ann and Gary Allen. As time passed, she and Gordy eventually separated and went their own ways. They were successful at co-parenting their children and remained friends.                                                                                                                                

Mary worked at Big Don’s in the 1960-70’s; even up to the day she gave birth to her firstborn, Kathy. She continued to work there for many years off and on. She worked at Gay 90s Elks, in her hot outfit and go-go boots.  Mary then moved with her children to Moorcroft, WY, where she worked at Hoppers Bar, obtained her secretarial degree and worked at KG Construction. 

Eventually, Mary followed her daughter and family to Midwest City, OK. Which also put her near her father and step-mother, Verle and Maggie.  However, we all know she followed along to be near her granddaughter, Kalee and grandson, Jachob; her pride and joys! Mary lived in Midwest City for several years. In the late 90s, she moved to Sheridan, WY, where her daughter and grandchildren had relocated to.  She bought a home in Sheridan, which she was very proud of. She worked at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for several years, until she retired from medical records.  Mom gave her son-in-law a part-time job of trying to make her vehicle perfect; even though there was nothing wrong with it.  Any rattling noise or clunking in her car was the only time she could hear, or think she could hear anyways.  

Mom enjoyed traveling and shenanigans with Nancy and Annette; all around Wyoming, the Big Horn Mountains, four-wheeling (which is a scary thought: mom driving). They also traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to visit Gary and April to see the Navy ships. Mom eventually moved back to Moorcroft, WY for a slower pace of life and to be near Gary, as he was now out of the Navy and was able to do things together. This move also put her near her brother Kenny, beloved cousins and friends. She and Gary traveled to South Dakota to see family and reconnect with loved ones.  Mom worked at Donna’s Diner for the last seven years, up until the last month of her life. She was able to frequently hang out with Emy, Esther, and Vicky.    

Mary passed away quietly at Campbell County Hospital in Gillette, WY, surrounded by those she loved. Even though this was unexpected, family and friends were able to gather with her during her last hours here on earth. Mary is preceded in death by Grandparents Elda (Everhart-Nebraska-homestead) and Francis Burt. Her father, Verle Francis Burt, mother Alycia Katherine (Perot), step-mother, Maxine (Butler) Burt. The love of her life; Gordon D. Knigge, her daughter-in-law; April Knigg, and her beloved grandson; Jachob Irish. 

Mary is survived by her children: daughter, Kathy (Scott); son, Gary; granddaughter, Kalee (Drell); and great-grandsons; (Caddence, Jaykeob and Nolen); brother, Kenny; and cousin, Orland.

A Celebration of Life is at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Ignite Wesleyan Church, interment will be in Juniper Heights in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the church.  Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.