Russell Knipp Obituary
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Tip Killingsworth
April 7, 2020
Russ was such a good buddy! I miss him and loved working with him for those couple of years at the Tulsa Athletic Club! We love his Rusty boy, too! Jan, you're such a good friend and we love you, too!
RUSSELL LOWELL KNIPP, OLYMPIAN AND WORLD RECORD HOLDER
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
MARCHING INTO THE OLYMPIC STADIUM, MUNICH 1972
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
Munich Olympics
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
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BEST LIFTER, USA 1971
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
MEXICO OLYMPICS 1968
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
RUSS KNIPP, OLYMPIAN AND WORLD RECORD HOLDER
JANICE ETTELT KNIPP
November 24, 2014
Jim Cook
February 28, 2011
I was scanning some old documents and came across a picture of myself being "pressed" overhead by Russ Knipp--the time was 1972. I remember Russ well because he was a champion weight lifter and someone I admired. He was quiet and easy going
Inseparable Best Buddies: Father and Son
JAN KNIPP
October 8, 2010
Russ and his Son Russell--the light of his life
Jan Knipp
October 8, 2010
Laurie Killingsworth
June 18, 2010
Looking at pictures of our dear friend, Russ, brings him back to us as if almost four decades haven't slipped past since we saw each other almost daily for two years.
Tip and I had been married for only a year when the Athletes in Action weightlifting team came to the University of Alabama, where we were on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Since Tip was the "resident athlete" on staff, he was put in charge of their programming for the days they were with us. It was such a fun time of ministry and fellowship with the team, and Russ and Tip bonded immediately. It wasn't long before they were making plans to link up full-time, so that Tip and I could help them to set up evangelistic high school and college assemblies and shows all over the country.
In the summer of 1972, we moved from Alabama to Tulsa, OK, and for the next two years, had the wonderful and blessed experience of being a part of the team. Russ was not only our director, but also our very dear friend.
I honestly cannot remember a harsh word ever spoken by Russ in my presence. He could definitely be serious, yet he always had a "light" in his face, and encouragement, support, and love on his tongue. Even though it wasn't an easy job to keep a bunch of weightlifters, (and us!), on a steady course, he steered the ship well. He made sure that we were all "on task," enjoying the Lord and each other, and learning how to better serve Him in the process.
We were all fairly young, Tip and I only in our mid-20's, so there was understandably a lot of immaturity going on :-), yet what a delight to look back and see that God was glorified through us all, and our meager efforts for the Kingdom of God on earth. We didn't separate until God called the team back to Southern California, and Tip and me to a 12-year campus ministry stint in Ireland (that also brought us four wonderful children!).
Jan and Rusty are now left behind to carry the torch, and we love them both dearly. Since Virginia is a very long way from California, we don't get to see them much, yet they're in our hearts daily. Reconnecting with Jan by email last year, and also recently on Facebook, has brought us back together again in a new way. As great as that is, we all look forward to that amazing and awesome day when we will join Russ in the presence of the Lord, and be together throughout eternity.
If you don't know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, we would encourage you to sit down and read through the gospel of St. John in the Bible. It will be your guidebook, and the God of the universe will meet you there!!
Tip Killingsworth
June 17, 2010
It's been great for Laurie and me to get back in touch with Russ's precious wife, Janice on Facebook. Memories of Russ always leave me smiling. That is probably the most gratifying eulogy any friend could give a buddy. Russ always seemed to be able to make the best of any situation. One morning we were going to a meeting and Russ was unusually quiet. I asked him how he was doing. He said, "You know, Tip, I'm just feeling 'mellow.'" From then on, if he was quiet, I'd ask if he was having a "mellow day?" But what ALWAYS got Russ excited was learning about God's Word and people coming to the Lord Jesus as their Savior. In his later years and those were FAR too few, he was filled with LOVING ADORATION for the little boy who carried his name. Any time I'd phone him, he'd regale me with stories of glory and wonder about Rusty's piano playing. I had to learn how to deal with a son who was a musician, NOT an athlete. I don't know what Rusty excelled in sports-wise but Russ was proud of his boy. It actually brings tears to my eyes. Russ only stood 5' 1" and a bit but none of us ever noticed that because he had the heart of a man double his size. One of the most shocking things about hearing the bad news about him being taken away from us was that his HEART had let him down. Jan and I have been talking about old memories and how much fun it will be to talk for at least a thousand years about what God did through a ragtag bunch of guys who cared not so much about being champions in a lifting meet but guys who hungered to be found faithful when the Lord returned. We all wanted to be be doing what the Father would want us to be doing on His return. Life is good but every thought of the "little big man" brings that twinge of sadness because some wonderful part of us is missing. Rusty, if you read this and I hope you will, thank God for the years you had Big Russ and ask God to give you the strength to fill those footprints he left you to walk in. If you ever want to just reminisce about the morning you were born or other stuff, just phone me at 434-546-0445. It would be great to just chat.
Becky Capps Moder
June 16, 2010
Knowing Russ is celebrating his love for The King of Kings is the most incredible peace. He is where I long to be one day. God has a timing for each of us and Russ got to go home early. When I knew him in the 70's, he was a friendly, happy man and was always kind to me. I love his wife, Jan, and her joy for the Lord shines into my world.
Dan'l Hollis
March 12, 2010
I knew Russ as a Christian brother, friend and coach. I remember Russ for his strength-physical and spiritual. It was a joy and very exciting to see Russ press world records on a regular basis "strong as bull" --remember Jan? :)
Most of all, I remember Russ for his spiritual strength and love for our Lord Jesus. His greatest love was to share his faith in his God and Savior. He took every opportunity to tell others how they could know the one true living God by repenting of their sins and believing that Jesus is God and could forgive all their sins forever. It was an honor and privilege to travel the United States and share our love and faith for Jesus to millions of young people across the country with Athletes in Action-a part of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Love you Russ - looking forward to worshiping, serving and loving our God and Savior together forever--we might even set a few world records :)
RUSS KNIPP WEIGHTLIFTEROF THE YEAR
February 22, 2010
WORLD CHAMPION AND OLYMPIAN RUSS KNIPP
February 22, 2010
WORLD RECORD HOLDER IN THE OLYMPIC PRESS
February 22, 2010
Ed Henrie
July 16, 2006
Russ, I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of your untimely passing. In the few years of our aquaintance, I had come to admire and respect you as an athlete, a gentleman, and a friend. My busines trips to the Orange County area were greatly enhanced by the opportunity to share your company while enjoying a cigar and discussing various topics with you at the cigar store we both frequented. I am a better person for having known you. I will remember you always and I will miss you.
John Fitzgerald
June 1, 2006
Dear Russ,
These words are for you directly to thank you personally for living such a wonderful/ inspirational life. Only now can I really thank you so for all of the true meaning that you gave to me and to others each time we met. You NEVER seemed to have a bad day, or at least you were so good at hiding it. Youre favorite word in life was "YOU"..Never worring about yourself, until you were sure that others were o.k. first..
Only now do I truely fully realize youre GREATNESS and how much more enjoyable/rewarding my life will be for having known you for so many years. Keep sending those daily messages to me, to my family, and to youre family and friends that will help us to know that you will always be a large part of us and to help us over the hard times that we may be having.
Until we meet again, all my love to you and "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING"...
The John Fitzgerald Family
Joe Dube'
May 30, 2006
Russ and I were on many teams together. He always approached you with that big smile he had. He was a humble godly person that loved spreading the word of god. He was a great friend and I will miss him.
God bless his family.
Wes Neal
May 30, 2006
One of God’s great blessings for us humans is a mind that keeps people and moments in a bank of memories. I am blessed because my memory bank is rich with hundreds of deposits of those moments Russ and I shared together as friends and teammates on the Athletes in Action first weightlifting team.
How clearly I remember those midnight conversations and prayer times, as well as all those coaching tips Russ passed on to me to improve my style.
The biggest blessing, of course, is an eternal land in which Russ, his family and friends, and all followers of Jesus will one day come together for a forever reunion.
Greg Crouch
May 28, 2006
To the family of Russ Knipp, I met Russ back in the fall of 1970 when he was up here in Seattle, I was 13 years old at the time.I was introduced to Russ thru a sportswriter From the Seattle Post Intellegencer newspaper that was good friends with my dad.Me, my brother and dad talked to Russ for about an hour or so, he was one of the kindest,nicest men I have ever met.Toward the end of the meeting he even lifted both I and my brother over his head I still have the photos of that. It was the thrill of a lifetime to meet Russ. He will be missed by all who knew him.
George Bangert
May 1, 2006
My sympathies to the Knipp family. I have always admired Russ not only for his athletic prowress but also his Christain missionary work. I was looking forward to seeing him be honored by the AOBS in June. May he rest in peace.
JAN KNIPP
April 28, 2006
BELOVED HUSBAND AND FATHER~
ETERNAL LOVE, 'TIL WE MEET AGAIN
ALWAYS: "THREE PEAS IN A POD" ~ JAN AND RUSSELL ROBERT
Judy (Martin) Blackman
April 25, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Knipp family. It was certainly a shock to find out. My family also wishes to express their sympathies.
RUSS KNIPP~U.S. OLYMPICS 1968 AND 1972~NINE WORLD RECORDS
April 20, 2006
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