Marilyn Kay Knippelmeyer

June 28, 1944 - February 22, 2021

Marilyn Kay (Behrends) Knippelmeyer was born June 28, 1944 in Auburn, Nebraska. She was one of three children born to Orval and Ora (Gerdes) Behrends. Marilyn was baptized July 16, 1944 and confirmed November 11, 1957 both at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church. She attended rural schools through 7th grade and in 1962 graduated from Johnson High School. In 1963, she completed a secretarial course at Lincoln School of Commerce. On April 18, 1964, Marilyn was united in marriage to Jerry Wayne Knippelmeyer. To this union two daughters were born, DeAnn and Sandi. She worked at Auburn State Bank prior to starting a family and becoming a stay at home mom. After both girls graduated high school, she worked in retail for a number of years. Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. She loved creating delicious meals, canned produce, and homemade treats. Her grandsons always phoned in requests for their favorite sweets prior to holidays and other visits. Another important part of her life was serving her church, St. John’s. She was a member of the Women of the ELCA and enjoyed making and tying quilts for missions. She also was on the altar guild and in the past taught Sunday School, Bible School and was a Luther League Sponsor. On February 22, 2021, Marilyn passed away at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 25 days. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Wayne Knippelmeyer, Auburn; daughters, DeAnn (David) Wood, Greenbrier, Arkansas; Sandi, Lincoln; grandsons, Colton (Logan “Lo”) Wood, Vilonia, Arkansas; Logan (Loran Wilcher) Wood, Conway, Arkansas; Cody (Catherine) Wood, Conway, Arkansas; great grandsons, Roman, Cooper, Rhett and River; brother, Eldon (Susan) Behrends, Tucson, Arizona; sister, Joyce (Lynn) Fortkamp, Champion, Nebraska; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by parents, Orval and Ora Behrends and her nephew, Brandon Behrends. A funeral service will be Saturday, February 27, 10:30 a.m. at St John Lutheran (Stone) Church near Auburn. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as casket bearers will be Colton Wood, Logan Wood, Cody Wood, Jerel Fortkamp, Deven Fortkamp, and Kelen Fortkamp. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00. Masks are required for visitation and funeral. Memorials are suggested to family choice.