Gary Paul Knippenberg

Gary P. Knippenberg, Ph.D.
Gary left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2025 at 80 years of age. He was born on April 7, 1944, in Akron, Colorado, the son of Reverend John and Harriett Knippenberg. He was born again into God's family through Holy Baptism on April 23, 1944. He was confirmed in his faith through the rite of Confirmation on June 29, 1958, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell, Nebraska. His confirmation verse was, "And He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5:15)
Gary is survived by his cherished and dearly loved wife of 53 blessed years, Kathleen, three loved and adored children, Kristin, and a son-in-law Derick, of Salt Lake City, UT, Nicole of Bothell, WA, and Matthew and loving daughter-in-law, Erin and blessed grandson, Kyler, of Lakewood, CO. Gary is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lowell Kebschull of Santa Clarita, CA, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend John and Harriett Knippenberg, his brother Reverend Keith, and sister-in-law, Sharon Knippenberg, sister Elizabeth Kebschull, and sister Dorothy Stehl and brother-in-law, Rudy Stehl.
Gary earned his bachelor's degree in math education from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska in 1966 and his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1969. In 1978 he earned the Ph. D. Degree in Math education from Michigan State University. The first ten years of his professional life, Gary was a member of the math and computer science faculty of Concordia University, River Forest, IL (1969-1979). It is there that he met and fell in love with his charming and gifted wife, Kathy. They were joined in holy matrimony on June 12, 1971, in Kathy's home church, St. Lucas Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1979, Gary accepted the position of Chairperson of the Math and Computer Science Department at Lansing Community College. He served LCC for the next 30 years. During the last 14 of those 30 years, he served as the Dean of the Arts and Sciences Division. In all of his administrative roles he was guided by the principles of "servant leadership." He retired from LCC in 2009.
Throughout his professional career, Gary remained active in state national organizations committed to education improvement. At various time she held leadership roles in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Michigan Council of Techers of Mathematics, the Michigan Section of the Mathematics Association of America, and the Michigan Liberal Arts Deans Association.
In his personal life, Gary loved spending time with his family, and serving God's kingdom through service to his church, Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Lansing. Over his years as a member, he held many elected offices and joyfully served on numerous service committees. Elected offices included membership on the Board of Christian Education, the Stewardship Board, the Endowment Committee, and the Chairperson of the Congregation. Service activities included leading the congregation's constitution revision process and participating in many capital fund raising campaigns.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or the Gary Knippenberg Scholarship Fund at Lansing Community College.
We look forward to the day when we will stand with Gary and all believers in Christ before our Lod and Savior, rejoicing and celebrating His love forever in his glorious presence.
The memorial service details will be announced shortly.