In loving memory of

Timothy A. Knippa
August 11, 1955 - February 18, 2021

Timothy "Tim" Andrew Knippa, 65, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on February 18, 2021 in Austin, Texas.  Timothy was born in Dallas, Texas to Arnold William "Bill" Knippa and Adell Louise Kieschnick Knippa on August 11, 1955.

Tim went to high school at Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, Texas and graduated in 1973.  He went on to study auto mechanics at Lincoln Technical Institute.  He worked with Snap-On Tools for over a decade. During his tenure with Snap-On, he was recognized as their #1 salesperson in the world. After leaving Snap-On, Tim relocated to Arizona where he began working with Entrepix, Inc where he was their 'man with many hats' for the last 20+ years of his life.  

When Tim entered a room it immediately lit up with his huge heart, his beautiful smile, and his sparkling blue eyes. He loved his children and grandchildren with every ounce of his soul. He danced like there was no tomorrow. He offered a hand to anyone when needed. His generosity was shown wherever he was. He loved spending time with family and friends, fishing at his beloved K2, a good fire in the fire pit, cooking and entertaining, and music followed him wherever he went. His heart began in Texas and will remain in Texas. He left this world too soon and will be deeply missed.

Tim is survived by his daughter, Meagan Dockens of New Braunfels, Texas, son, Nathan Knippa of Kyle, Texas, daughter, Sarah Vest and husband Gregory of Blanco, TX. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Skyler and Braydon Dockens, Jaden Knippa, Tobias and Waylon Vest. His siblings, sister Martha and husband Larry Huseman, sister Elizabeth and husband Greg Radcliff, and brother, Rev. William and wife Melissa Knippa as well as a host of cousins nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and godchildren.  He is preceded in death by his father, A.W. "Bill" Knippa, his mother, Adell Knippa, and his brother Ronald Knippa.

Funeral/Memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 3701 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, Texas 78749 on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Reverend William Knippa officiating. 

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the A.W. and Adell Knippa Family Scholarship Endowment Fund, Concordia University, 11400 Concordia University Dr, Austin 78726 Or Alvin and Martha Kieschnick Scholarship Endowment, acct # EN155, Legacy Deo, 7900 East Hwy 290, Austin 78724-2499.

Tributes

Brian Grant wrote on Feb 27, 2021:

"I was shocked to hear of Tim\'s passing. I had worked with Tim for 5yrs at Entrepix; which was a priviledge and an honor. The knowledge he shared with those around him was immeasureable. He always had the time to share his wisdom and life experiences. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to get to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.Tim shall truly be missed. Brian Grant"

Vickie Lautner (Brown family. Daughter of Joe & Pa wrote on Feb 26, 2021:

"Dear Knippa family. Tim and I have been lifelong friends and classmates, having started together at Concordia Lutheran Church and graduating from Robert E. Lee HS in 73\'. The Knippa and Brown families have many stories to tell! Tim was full of life, a decent, honest person who was always smiling and dancing! His remembrance brings a smile to my face. He was a dear friend taken too soon. It is a comfort to be reassured God knows all things and carries the span of our lives in His Hands. May each of you be comforted, strengthened and encouraged by the words of friends, the wonderful memories he left to you and those special moments in each of your lives. A life well lived and well done as a good and faithful servant of the Lord! Our condolences to all your family in this time of loss. Vickie (Brown) and David Lautner, Spring Branch, Tx. "

Brian and Lori Sanders wrote on Feb 26, 2021:

"From Tim?s neighbors in Arizona. We were so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful neighbor. Always happy to sit and chat for a while. He will be missed. "

Kathi and Travis Rice wrote on Feb 26, 2021:

"We have truly enjoyed our renewed relationship with cousin Tim in the last few years. After ?loosing touch? since childhood we were looking forward to being his neighbor at K2. It?s a joy to see how he carried on the loving and close-knit family ties his parent and grandparents instilled in us all. May those wonderful memories bring peace and comfort to you Nate,Meagan,Sarah, your children and to his dear siblings. Travis and Kathi Rice"

Cheri Moseley Groom wrote on Feb 26, 2021:

"Nate, Meagan, and Sarah, What a heart-wrenching loss. I?m so sorry for the pain of separation from your dad for a time on this earth. Please know that he touched so many lives and is remembered by everyone with such great tenderness. I?ll always picture him as that boy that always had a smile on his face no matter what. May God hold you gently and bring you comfort. Cheri Moseley Groom"

Liz Radcliffe wrote on Feb 25, 2021:

"I can not describe the hole that my brother?s passing has left in my life. He will always be in my heart. I always looked forward to spending time with him and his family. They showed the love and caring that my parents wanted us to feel for each other. Tim, you were taken too soon but as a friend of mine said- Tim is probably smiling down at us and saying-wow-wait tell you see this place. It?s beyond beautiful. We love and l pray for all of us to find some peace. Liz and Greg "

Bill and Betty Johnson wrote on Feb 25, 2021:

"Meagan, Nathan, and Sarah, Bill and I will forever cherish the memories we have of Tim. The many camping trips to the Frio, the good times at the farm, and all of the other fun times that were spent together. One that sticks out is the watermelon rind throwing from our front porch (long story). Tim was a great man and a great friend who we will miss dearly. "

Derek and Lauren Hayes wrote on Feb 25, 2021:

"To the entire family, very sorry for your loss and Tim was such a special friend with arms always open. Some of the best memories came to mind in the years I have known him. We hug, that?s what we do His true love for the NBA Spurs The Bill Miller ?long pour? cup Drinking Evan Williams together, and the ?Man, I might have drank a little much last night? Listening to Sturgill Simpson in the back yard with a nice fire The first man to dance with my daughter outside the family And the hugs Tim, we love you and will miss you dearly until we meet again. The Hayes Family"

George Hoy Jr. wrote on Feb 24, 2021:

"The Knippa\'s were an inspiration to all of us at Concordia and Robert E. Lee. Great and respected People and family. We will Cherish those memories of Tim."

Marti and Larry Huseman wrote on Feb 24, 2021:

"Tim was my youngest brother, always pleasant and with a smile for everyone. He dearly loved all his extended family and especially his children, Meagan, Nathan, and Sarah. He was papa to Skyler, Braydon, Toby, Jaden and Waylon. He spent many happy times at the farm, helping with things that needed doing, and worked diligently at his job in Arizona. We wanted him here with us for a longer time, but he rests in the Lord\'s arms and leaves a fine legacy."

Cheryl (Hoffman) Terry wrote on Feb 24, 2021:

"Dear Meagan, Nate, Sarah and families, also Tim?s family of siblings, nieces and nephews. I?ve known Tim since Jr High at Nimitz Middle School. It breaks your heart to think our beloved Tim is not on earth with us. He?s in our hearts and that will have to be enough for now. He was the best friend a person could have. Always a smile, a listening ear, good counsel, caring, loving and always interested in our needs over and above his. His love of music, sunsets and dancing will ever stick in my mind... I can?t even imagine how this unforeseen occurrence happened to our sweet Tim. May God give u peace and love through this difficult time. Cheryl (Hoffman) Terry Class of 73 @ Robert E. Lee"

Gail Phillips Olin wrote on Feb 24, 2021:

"Meagan, Nathan, Sarah and all, please know the class of Lee \'73 sends sincere and deeply felt condolences to your families. Tim was a kind, decent, magnanimous person and wonderful classmate. He had a rare quality of being able to fit in no matter what the situation, while showing respect to others. We\'ve lost a treasure and a ray of sunshine. RIP, Volunteer!"