Susan Lea Knapp, age 68, passed away on February 18, 2016, at her home in Hot Springs, SD.

Susan was born the oldest of eight children, on July 2, 1947, in Waseca, MN, to William C. and Zona L. (Dunsmore) Nielsen. Her brother Chris was taken early in life due to polio. She grew up with an outstanding work ethic from being raised on a farm and carried that with her to the Hot Springs VAMC where she retired after 30 years of work. Susan believed that community service was tantamount and dedicated many years to the DAVA, VFW Auxiliary, and the Hot Springs Ambulance Service. Susan spent 37 years as an Emergency Medical Technician in South Dakota she instilled the same value of being an EMT to all of her children and fellow EMT's.

The lives she touched and saved leave so many names it would be impossible to list. She had many friends but called all of them family. Susan was always proud of her children but more so than with her grandchildren, Caitlin & Shelby Hills, Christopher Knapp, Taylor & Zona Hatch, Nicole Groethe, and Hannah Nielsen. She shared a 50 year marriage with Phillip, who worked alongside her to build an ambulance service this community could be proud of. She will be missed by so many and forgotten by none.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip G. Knapp of Hot Springs; daughters, Kara (Robert) Hatch of Rapid City, SD; Krista Knapp of Breckenridge, CO; son, John (Shannon) Nielsen of Frankville, IA; brother, Patrick (Mary) Nielsen of Sterling, CO; sisters, Betty (Patrick) Bucholz of Bakersfield, CA; Nora (Eddie) Psotta of Greeley, CO; Edie Nielsen of Sterling, CO; 7 grandchildren and her close friend, Delila (Matt) Hughes.

Committal services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, with Pastor Gary Jacobsen officiating.

A coffee get together will be held 4:30 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016, at The Canyon Cottage at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home, Hot Springs. All family and friends are invited.