Biography

Walter Orville Knippel, born July 28, 1922 to Willis Knippel and Clara Stock-Knippel in Chicago, IL. Walter enlisted and served in the Army Aircorps during WWII as a B-17 pilot and flew over 35 bomb missions over Germany and never lost a single crew member. When he returned to the U.S. he married Mary Lucielle Orr February 27, 1945 in Hollywood, FL and they enjoyed a wonderful life together for over 64 years. He was the proud, loving father of Dennis Raymond Knippel, James Edwin Knippel, Paul Joseph Knippel, Cythia Marie Knippel-Sullentrup, Caroline Mary Knippel-Beven and, Grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Walter received a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and worked for over 25 years in the Aerospace Industry on the Apollo Projects and the Space Shuttle. Walter's loves were his wife Mary, his family, sailing, and camping.

Mary has said that Walter gave her a wonderful life and she is sad to see it end. His children say they feel they were lucky and priveledge to have had the kindest, loving Dad in the world. His grandchildren and great grandchildren say they will greatly miss their Grandpa and Papa.

Walter was loved by many and they all feel that their corner of the world is a better, brighter place because he joined them in it.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Walter's memory to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike,Cold Spring, KY 41076, Telephone:(859) 441-7300.

The family would also, like you to join them immediately following Walter's service at the home of his daughter Caroline Beven at 5161 Camanche Way, El Dorado Hills for a reception.

Funeral Service

Thursday April 30, 2009, 1 pm at Green Valley Mortuary - Cameron Park
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Viewing

Thursday April 30, 2009, 12 pm at Green Valley Mortuary - Cameron Park
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