Mike Knipp
November 28, 1960 ~ January 8, 2017
Mike Knipp, 56, of Solon, died Sunday, January 8, 2017, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, after a battle with cancer. Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Roy Libby. Visitation: 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Survivors include his parents, Russell and Janice Knipp of Keystone; sisters, Deborah (Dennis) Nielson of Newhall, and Shari (Matthew Clark) Teneyck of Belle Plaine; brother, Rodney (Teresa) Knipp of Elberon; nephews Adam (Greta) Nielson of Waverly, Jacob Nielson of Keystone, Benjamin Knipp of Elberon, and Dylan Ehlen of Belle Plaine; nieces, Justa Goodwin of Belle Plaine and Autumn (John) Calahan of Creston; great-niece, Emma Nielson; great-nephews, Ian Nielson and Acen Goodwin-Marble; special extended family, Camran and John Yates Jr.; and his beloved pet companions Sugar and Luna.
Michael Ray Knipp was born November 28, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, to Russell and Janice (Koopman) Knipp. He attended Benton Community High School, then Coe College, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor's in English. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau, and served as student body president his senior year.
Mike was an ambitious 'go-getter,' a quality that started in the Boy Scouts. He was always up for a challenge, always helping people, and kept things fair for everyone. He worked as an investment broker, accountant, entrepreneur, and most recently, the certified financial officer for CARE Ambulance in Iowa City. Over the years, Mike traveled across the country to help different companies grow, then would move on to another challenge. He enjoyed traveling, working in Florida, California, Arizona, Illinois, and Iowa, as well as visiting Cancun and Europe. He enjoyed playing golf and visiting the nearest beach to put his feet in the sand.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Viola Koopman, Raymond Knipp, and Bill and Ila Bannon.
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To Mike’s family sorry to hear of your loss. Knipper was Phi Kappa Tau fraternity president and class president at Coe College in the early 1980’s. He took the freshmen under his wing, encouraged us to learn, and to have fun. Learned so much from him and he will be missed. RIP my friend.
Steve Crew– Phi Kappa Tau class of 1987
Our Kevin was good friends with Mike in high school at Benton. Now both are gone from cancer. RIP Mike.
Gods speed Knipper….the world was a best place because of you.
Sending love to the entire Knipp family from the Leavens
(BC class of 78/79)
Mike was a great guy. Class of 1979 lost a good one here. I don’t think I ever heard him say anything bad about anyone or put anyone down. Was willing to be friends with anybody.
We will catch up some day Mike! My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Dwight Oehlerich
I used to babysit Mike and his siblings. So sorry to learn of his passing. God Bless Russell & Shirley and the entire family.
Oh Mike, my heart is heavy. You were such a great classmate, friend and person over all. I so regret loosing contact with you. My deepest sympathy to the family. Love you Mike!
I was Phi Tau advisor during Mike’s time at Coe and have very fond memories of him that I will always cherish. The massive balloon bouquet that the Phi Taus, thanks to Mike and others, sent to me when my daughter was born in August 1983 and Mike’s stressing over when to declare Flunk Day by checking with the Farmers’ Almanac and his mom, just to name a few of the wonderful memories. I send my sympathies to the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. Everyone was his friend. He wanted it that way, and went out of his way to be friendly to all, no matter who you were. We lost contact after high school, which I regret but he was none the less, loved. Will miss you Mike. God speed. Sally (Claassen) Meyne
I first met Mike at Coe College when he served on the Alumni Council. My heart goes out to his family. May the memories you shared in life help to ease the pain of your loss. I was fond of Mike and proud to have know him. God speed, Jean
Mike was my Phi Kappa Tau pledge son during our days at Coe College and later a groomsman in our wedding. Although our paths took us different directions I will cherish the fond memories we shared. We will miss Mike’s jovial spirit but appreciate that he is in a better place. Shawn and Lisa Hall
God bless and rest at peace Mike. A good friend at Benton and a Phi Kappa Tau brother. We had a lot of fun in our days , that’s for sure. Now you can look over us as friends and brothers for laughs and protections if you can! I won’t be home to see you off but many will, hope to see you when it is my time and we can laugh about the old time.
Bill Boies
I worked with Mike and he was always glad to see you and kind and caring. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers to his family. Stephanie Peters
RIP my friend. I also regret that we lost contact over the years. My sympathies to your family. Until we meet again , love ya man. “MO”
My dear friend Mike….I miss you so much. There are no words to describe the sadness I feel after losing my friend. We will think of you often and we will love you forever.
We will miss you as a neighbor. I will always remember the good chats we had in the driveway. Prayers are with your family.