Obituaries
Susan Jean Knipfer
January 18, 1957 - January 03, 2024
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Obituary For Susan Jean Knipfer
MADISON, WI/ MAPLE GROVE, MN/ NEOSHO, WI/ SUN PRAIRIE, WI – Susan Jean Knipfer, was stolen from us on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Sue was born on January 18, 1957 in Madison, WI to Albert and Jean (Langer) Boehme. She graduated from James Madison Memorial High School, Madison, in 1975 and the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1981.
Sue married Michael Knipfer on June 17, 1978. They moved to the Twin Cities area where she started her career at Honeywell. Sue passionately enjoyed her 33-year engineering career, excelling at management but preferring the technical design challenges in her Senior Systems Engineering capacity at Honeywell. Fortunately, she retired early at age 55 and enjoyed over a decade of experiences with the love of her life, Michael, and their two adventuresome children, Rebecca and Bryan, before pancreatic cancer took her from us while still in her youth at age 66.
Sue enjoyed life with gusto and enthusiasm. She was an avid knitter creating masterpiece sweaters, providing hats for the homeless, and inundating her family with delightful, colorful, cozy, homemade socks. Her passion and skills in gardening transformed family properties with expertly designed floral gardens. She hiked with purpose and strength, reminding us that the best vistas were earned. Sue was an adventurer, a certified sailor on Lake Superior, and an avid hiker in southern Utah, Kaui, the Smokey Mountains, Big Bend National Park, and on and on. She rappelled next to waterfalls in Costa Rica, swam with dolphins in Mexico, fed Stingrays in the Bahamas, and fed giraffes in California. With her keen memory for fun and interesting detail and an intelligent sense of humor, she repeatedly beat us all in Trivial Pursuit.
Sue is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Michael Knipfer; two amazing children, Rebecca and Bryan; sisters, Barbara (Zig) Boehme and Paula (Roger) Martin; and sister-cousin, Laurie (Rick) Vertz. She is further survived by other nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pets Alive in San Antonio, TX or Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250
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Condolences
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January 11, 2024
I had the privilege of working with Sue at Honeywell for many years. I will always remember her enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor. I am so sorry she passed away.
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January 09, 2024
My sincere condolences to Mike and family. I was sad to hear of Sue's passing. I worked with her at Honeywell for many years. She was an very talented and dedicated engineer. I could always count on her attention to detail, sound judgement, and professionalism. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and mentor others. We also spent time sharing stories about family and outside interests. After retirement I reached out to her during some trips to my daughter in Wisconsin. We talked about meeting some time but it did not ever work out, so I am regretting that missed opportunity. She will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure to know her.
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January 08, 2024
Mike and family, I am so very sorry and sad to hear of Sue's passing. Sue was a wonderful person and HS classmate. My prayers for Mike and family.
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January 08, 2024
Sue was a great friend. I'm remembering all the great adventures and good times we had hiking the North Shore of Minnesota and Arches National Park. Then biking the Root River and Cannon Valley trail's in southern Minnesota. I loved hearing about all the fun knitting projects she had going and seeing the photos when she completed them. Some were truly unique and I was always in awe of the skill that went into them. These memories celebrate Sue's life and will always live on in our hearts. Out thoughts and prayers to Mike and her family. Terri & Kurt
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January 07, 2024
Mike and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Sue. She was a lovely person and a truly delightful neighbor. Her kindness and warmth always made me smile. I wish we all had more time with her. With much love, Kate Lamont
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January 06, 2024
So sad to hear this news. Sue was so kind, and smart, and we could talk for hours. I am so thankful she was able to enjoy 10 years of retirement. I've missed her since she retired and now I'll miss her even more. Praying comfort and peace for Mike and family.💕
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January 06, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Sue at Honeywell while she was at the Coon Rapids plant. She was a wonderfully talented Engineer and always fun to talk with. Blessed be her memory. Karen Thomas
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January 06, 2024
Loved talking to Sue and sharing stories about the kids. Missed her when she retired, jealous, but extremely happy for her. Hike those stairs to heaven Sue! LuAnn Wicklund
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January 06, 2024
So sorry to hear of Sues passing! Prayers for Mike and family at this time. Enjoyed so many 'gardening' conversations with Sue and I'm sure she'll be adding another garden in heaven!
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January 06, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about Sue. The Boehme "girls" will forever hold a place in my heart. My love and prayers to all. Natalie
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