Anthony Knipp Obituary

Anthony (Tony) Orville Knipp passed away peacefully at his Des Moines, IA home on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Visitation will be held at Iles Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, January 16 at 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by a service. Interment will be at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., Adel, IA at 12:30 p.m.

The second of 13 children, Tony was born in Gilbertville, Iowa, January 17, 1938. The family moved to Des Moines when he was in his teens where Tony graduated from Roosevelt High School. He will always be remembered as the fun-loving and caring brother and uncle.

Tony often played the role of chaperone on double dates with his sister, serving as her protector, and continued to wrap his arms around those he spent time with. He joined the Army in the late 50s, eventually shipping out from Ft. Dix New Jersey on his way to France. Tony was assigned to the 56th Artillery Group. After France, he served in Germany before coming home and receiving his discharge in May 1961. He was proud to serve with his “brothers” in the American Legion Post 663 and the Honor Guard.

Tony’s fun-loving nature was evident by the way he interacted with his family. He often treated his younger siblings to Riverview Park to ride the Tumble Bug (he flew out of it once!), took nephews on canoe and fishing adventures, taught his little sister how to drive for the first time in a 1970 Suburban in 10” of wet snow, and always had a joke to share. He enjoyed hunting, painting, the challenge of a difficult jigsaw puzzle, and tending to his prolific flower and vegetable gardens.

Tony is survived by his sisters Marie (Larry) Estes, Elizabeth Chipp, and Louann (Greg) Ireland; brother-in-law Don Davis and sister-in-law Linda Knipp; step-children Jean Srour, Rebecca Pfannenstiel, and Stephen Smith. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia, and his second wife, Betty, his parents, Lawrence and Kathleen Knipp, his brothers, sisters and their spouses: Stanley (Diane) Knipp, Gregory (Natalie) Knipp, Rita (Knipp) Davis, Ramona Knipp, Shirley (Ron) Dew, Thomas Knipp, Larry Chipp, Phillip Knipp, Phyllis (Glenn) Swank, and Pauline Knipp. Tony also leaves behind an enormous number of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and dozens of cousins.

Tony will truly be missed but not mourned. He is at peace with our Dear Lord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 663 or to the family.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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