Dennis J. Knipfer, 88, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2012, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 17, 1924, to George and Catherine Knipfer. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a parachute rigger until 1946.
Dennis attended Wisconsin Technical College in Milwaukee where he earned a license in barbering. He later worked for 30 years as a merchant marine on the Great Lakes retiring as a chief engineer for Columbia Transportation in 1983. Dennis loved golf and was an avid sports enthusiast.
He was married for 65 years to the former Helen Kramer. She survives along with his daughters, Vicki (John) Goettelman, Cynthia Goettelman, Connie (Chris) Larsen, Edie (Rich) Norenberg, sons, Jim (Cathrine), Tom (Ellen), and Paul; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were honored to call this kind and gentle man husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is also survived by a sister, Helen Kelnhofer of Lacey, Washington; sister-in-law, Vi Knipfer, and brother-in-law, Jim Kramer, both of Sturgeon Bay.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sisters Rita and Kathleen, brother, Edward, and son-in-law, Bill Goettelman.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. Veteran services and inurnment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery following the service. On line condolences may be offered at www.forbesfuneralhome.com
Memorials may be made in his name to St. John Bosco Catholic School or the Boys and Girls Club of Door County.
