Charles Kanipe

1937 - 2024

Charles Kanipe

August 1, 1937 - April 24, 2024

Charles Allan Kanipe, 86, of Newton, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He was born August 1, 1937 in Mecklenburg County to the late W.E. and Grace Mozeley Kanipe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, Helen Bumgarner Kanipe; brothers, James Terrell Kanipe, Worth Azell Kanipe, and Lee Mozeley Kanipe; and an infant son and daughter.

Charles grew up in Hickory and began delivering newspapers for the Hickory Daily Record in 1951, where he worked until 1990. He enlisted in the U.S. National Guard, served for three years and was honorably discharged in 1963. As a landlord, he provided affordable housing for Hickory residents for nearly six decades.

From making bricks for his father in their shop, to teaching his carpentry skills to his son, Charles was a talented builder with a knack for problem solving. He served as president of W.E. Kanipe & Sons for 40 years, constructing homes throughout the Catawba Valley for innumerable families.

Charles was a member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church and served for 30 years as current treasurer, spent several terms on church council, and was chair of the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church Property Committee for many years. He was instrumental in developing the video tape ministry for homebound church members, and was honored by the congregation of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in 2001 with "Charles Kanipe Day" for his dedication, leadership, and donation of time and expertise, particularly for spearheading and executing the renovation and expansion of the church sanctuary and gathering room.

He became an Honorary Life Member of Lutheran Men in Mission in 1993 and an Honorary Life Member of the Auxiliary of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1998.

Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, generous neighbor and friend. He is survived by his son, Charles A. Kanipe II (Chad) and wife, Angela; daughter, Dana Hoyle and husband Robert; grandchildren, Maggie Kanipe (Kyle), Faith West (Payton), Carson Kanipe (Jenna), Eli Kanipe, Rachel Hoyle, Gracen Hoyle, Charlie Hoyle, & Sadie Hoyle; great-grandson, Beckett West; and a sister, Lennie Sever and husband Tom.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Hickory Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3 p.m., at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church with Reverend Randall Cauble officiating.

Burial will follow in church cemetery. Memorials may be made to New Jerusalem Lutheran Chruch, 2120 Startown Road, Hickory, NC 28602.

Hickory Funeral Home

1031 11th Ave. Blvd. SE, Hickory, NC 28602