Nicole Renee Knippa

Nicole Renee Knippa, age 55, of San Antonio, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2022.

Nicole was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth K. Knippa Sr., and her sister, Jeannine A. Knippa.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Knippa Spreen, and her husband, Louis C. Spreen; her brother Kenneth K. Knippa Jr. and his wife, Cherie M. Knippa; her son John A. Ruttan; her daughter Summer J. Janssen, husband W. Forrest Janssen, and their daughter, Parker A. Janssen, Nicole's first grandchild.

Nicole grew up in San Antonio, where she attended and graduated from Highland High School in 1985. She continued to live in San Antonio for the remainder of her life with her family, where she enjoyed gardening, fishing, and camping. When not working or pursuing her other interests, she would prepare for her family's next visit by cooking and hosting as often as possible.

Nicole may have had her interests, but nothing consumed her attention like her family. When it came to her family, she would do anything, say anything, and be anything for them and their wellbeing. Even if it were to her detriment or of great inconvenience, she would be the one to show up, to advocate, and to be a supporter unparalleled to any other. In no other relationship was this seen more clearly than with her two children. If there was anything in this life she could claim, it was that she was a devoted mother. She was self-aware enough to know that she was not a perfect person but often said that one thing she got right was being a mother and loving her children.
Now that she is gone, it will be through them that her legacy of love and selflessness will continue.

Nicole faced many challenges in her life, and where others would've surrendered, she persevered. She believed that this world wasn't in darkness, that tomorrow would be even brighter than today. Her family is devastated that Nicole could not have the ending they dreamed for her, but they are grateful to know that Nicole is finally at peace. A memorial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church at 502 E. Nueva St on October 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM to honor and celebrate her life.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Family Violence Prevention Services, better known as the Battered Women and Children's Shelter, in Nicole's honor.