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Christopher Knips Obituary

Loving Husband, Dad, Son and Brother Age 59, of St. Paul, died Oct 3 at home. Survived by wife, Lenore Franzen; son, Andrew Knips; stepdaughter, Anna Johns; mother, Suzanne Knips; father, Gerry Knips (Bev); sisters, Debbie Knips and Katie Knips Ladas (Pete) and brother, David Knips (Laura). Born in Colorado Springs in 1950, Chris moved to the Twin Cities, where he went to school at Edina High School and graduated from Hamline University with a major in economics. He began his professional career with Commercial State Bank. Chris then served as financial administrator for a number of nonprofit agencies, including Upward Bound, the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, Guild, Inc., Council on Crime and Justice and Common Hope. Chris was an active member and past president of the Nonprofit Financial Group and valued that network. Embracing the missions of each organization, he was "an accountant with heart," bringing integrity and passion to his work. Chris was a much-loved member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where he and Lenore were married in 1985. He served faithfully on the council, investment committees, as an usher, van driver, and as president of the men's group. He was also active in the men's golf league and Bible studies, and took several mission trips to Guatemala. Best known for his sense of humor, devotion to his family, and love for the outdoors, Chris pursued many interests, including golfing, fishing, and photography. Chris will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. Service Thursday, October 7, 11:00 A.M. at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 South Snelling Avenue. Visitation Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 P.M. and also one hour prior to the service at ALL AT THE CHURCH. Memorials preferred to Common Hope of St. Paul (www.commonhope.org) and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. 678 South Snelling Avenue 651-698-3878


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Published by Pioneer Press on Oct. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Knips

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Mark Nakamitsu

October 25, 2010

Lenore and family,

I just learned of Chris' death and was very saddened to hear about it. He was a former client of mine and in the few years I knew him, I found very quickly how great of a person he was. I send my condolences to you and your family and feel very fortunate that our lives crossed paths for that brief period.

Gretchen Healy

October 23, 2010

Lenore and family,
Our sympathy on the loss of Chris. Though most of our meetings were at the SPCO concerts (best seats in the house) or occasionally around the neighborhood, we often heard nice stories about you both, and the children, from Sue. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Gretchen Healy

David Lott

October 21, 2010

Lenore and family--
I am deeply saddened to learn of Chris's sudden death. Though I only met him a few times, many years ago now, I remember immediately liking him, and the obituary and testimonies here reinforce that long-held impression. My prayers will be with you as you journey through your grief.

Michael West

October 20, 2010

Dear Lenore, Anna, and Andrew,
We are very sad today to learn of Chris's death, and our hearts go out to you. What a great guy! And what an example of a professional who devoted his skills to the greater good. We hope his love and example live on and that you find some solace in the pain.
Love, Mike and Tatha

Russ Friend

October 19, 2010

Chris was a friend from our MYF days at Richfield Methodist Church. He was a fellow wrestler; he was on the Edina HS team and I was on the Richfield HS team. His passing is too soon. His life was filled with serving others. We should honor his life by following his example. My prayers and sympathy go his family and friends through the years.

Kathy Schuler

October 16, 2010

Chris was a friend a very long time ago in high shcool youth group at Richfeild UMC. So sorry to hear of his all too early passing. Rev. Kathy Schuler

Mary Borth

October 16, 2010

Mrs. Knips and family-- I wish to send you my condolences at this most difficult time in your lives. Chris was a fine young man. His spirit and the joy he gave to you all will indeed live on and console you in times of deep sorrow. My best to you all-- Mary Borth

city kid learning to drive a tractor

Jim Knips

October 10, 2010

Gerry, Sue, Debby,Lenore and family,

So sorry to hear of Chris' passing. I have so many good memories of the times we spent growing up together--canoeing the creek behind the house in Edina--going on long bicycle rides-building forts in the grove and playing in the barn on our farm. Chris was always full of ideas and up for an adventure. A few days before he died I was looking at a picture of my dad teaching him to drive a tractor. I wish so much that we had kept in better touch over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Jim Knips

Rowing Sugarbush May 2006

Charlie Mutka

October 7, 2010

I'll greatly miss this fishin' buddy.

Ron Zweber

October 7, 2010

To the Knips family, I have known Chris for more than ten years. I originally met him when he was at PATH and I was his banking contact at Firstar. I have kept in touch with him through NFG and I always enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed in the nonprofit community.

Cassandra Bellaphant-Cheatem

October 6, 2010

Mrs. Knips & family. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I worked with Mr. Knips at Commercial State Bank fresh out of high school. I left there in 1986. He taught me a lot about accounting & the banking world. He was a very kind man. 29 years later and I have not forgotten him, he had a wonderful smile & personality. It was a pleasure to see his many accomplishments during his earthly life. May God Bless & keep your family during this difficult time.

Cassandra Bellaphant-Cheatem

October 6, 2010

Mrs. Knips & family.I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I worked for Mr. Knips at Commercial State Bank and left there in 1986. I was 18 years old at the time, fresh out of high school. He taught me a lot about bookkeeping & accounting. He was a very kind man, I shall never forget him.It was so nice to read about Mr. Knips many earthly accomplishments.May God Bless, keep, comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

Jan Hoppe

October 6, 2010

To the Knips family,
I worked with Chris at PATH, and am so very sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a warm, genuine, good person. I especially remember his skill at photography and his love of fishing. The twinkle in his eyes as he talked about fishing is a favorite memory for me.

Lonnie Bell

October 6, 2010

Lenore: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much love, Lonnie

Eva Traxler

October 6, 2010

To the Knips family,

I meet Chris through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and served with him on its' board of directors. Chris was a tireless supporter of Big Brothers and a fun person to work with.

I am sorry for your loss. The world has lost a good man.

My thoughts are with you.

Eva Traxler

Faith McGown

October 6, 2010

Katie, Suzanne and Knips Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Faith McGown

October 5, 2010

Lenore
I just learned of Chris' death. I am so sorry to hear of this and extend you our deepest condolences. We remember with great fondness the good times and great conversations at our Christmas dinner parties. with affection, Sue Herridge and Kit and Ben Kercheval.

October 5, 2010

Lenore, Andrew, and Knips family ~
We are so sorry to hear the news of your loss. Chris was a good man and a good neighbor. Wishing you grace and peace in the coming days.
With love,
Jacki Betsworth and George Hunt

Peggy Farah

October 5, 2010

Lenore -

I was so sorry to hear about Chris. I got to know him through my work with the Nonprofit Financial Group and my software consulting. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Farah (Drenckhahn)

Patricia

October 5, 2010

To Lenore and all of the Knips Family:

I didn't know Chris very well but I enjoyed our conversations at family gatherings. The last time I saw Chris, we talked about the importance of loving one's work and enjoying every moment of life. He was so thoughtful--and his eyes twinkled when he smiled. I know that you will miss him very much.

Hugs to all of you,

Tamalyn Gutierrez

October 5, 2010

We were so looking forward to getting to know Chris down here in Guatemala at Common Hope. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Tamalyn Gutierrez

Gail Speckmann

October 5, 2010

Dear Lenore and Family,

I just learned of Chris' death and am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a good man and know that he will be deeply missed. I will be unable to attend the funeral, but my prayers are with you. Love, Gail Speckmann

Sean P

October 5, 2010

Chris was a pleasure to work with. A man of humor and humanity whose presence was appreciated and insight much needed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Knips family in this difficult time.

October 5, 2010

Chris was a joy and pleasure to work with. A kid at heart- always enjoying a refreshing juice box at lunch. He will be truly missed. My heart and prayers go out to the family.

October 5, 2010

Gerry & Bev-
My sincere condolences for the loss of Chris. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May fond memories ease your pain.
Love, Mara & Chris Dehning

October 5, 2010

Dear Knips family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Chris through our brief time working together on the finance committee of the Council on Crime and Justice. He was a kind, dedicated person and will be missed by many, I'm sure. I also went to high school with Katie, and extend personal greetings to her. May you find peace with your loss, in your own ways, and in your own time. -Sara Jones

When I was taking his portrait at Common Hope, it just struck me that there was so much compassion and understanding in his eyes, so I wanted to share

Tom Stukel

October 5, 2010

Joshua B

October 5, 2010

Chris was a man of integrity, constancy and surprising warmth and humor. He was a pleasure to work with and a joy to know. My heart goes out to his family at this time.

Patsy Noble

October 5, 2010

I was always so moved by Chris's ability to be fully present to any conversation. All my love to the family.

Bob and Barbara Pagel

October 5, 2010

Knips Family,

Gerry, sorry to read of Christopher's death. In viewing his obituary we can understand your loss and that of the community. He was a wonderful person. Our sympathy to all.

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