Donald “Don” died February 19, 2023 at The Artisan at Wyndam Residence in Kalamazoo, MI.
Don was born February 4, 1933 in Kimberly, WI, the tenth of eleven children to John and Martina Kneepkens, originally from Eindhoven, Netherlands. He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1951 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955. Don married the love of his life, Jean Shirley Parker from Neenah, WI on June 18, 1955 and they spent 56 years together.
Two days after his wedding, Don began serving the Navy as a Lieutenant on the USS Coral Sea where he served until 1958. After leaving the Navy, Don spent 27 years at Kimberly Clark Corporation in Neenah, WI. In 1982, Don and Jean moved to Los Angeles, CA where he worked at Permalite ReproMedia Corporation in Carson before retiring in 1992.
Don is survived by his five children, Jon (Sandy), Kalamazoo, MI, Susan (Ernie) Strom, Duluth, MN, James, Corona, CA, Donald Jr. (Betsy), Duluth, MN, and Steven, Prescott AZ.; a sister, Bernadette “Birdie” Bouressa, Kimberly, WI.; 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Jean, son Michael, grandson, Parker and nine siblings.
A memorial service is planned for this summer in Neenah, WI.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of The Artisan at Wyndam Residence and special friends John, MaryAnn, Randy, Bill and Sherman for their friendship, camaraderie and care.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Lin Mohney
Jon, Sandy and Families, Our hearts go out to you all and our prayers for strength. We are so sorry for your loss but know you had some wonderful wonderful years and very special times with him. He was just as fortunate to have you all as his children as you all were to have him for your Father. God Bless You All and keep you in his care.
Our Love To You All
Bill & Lin
John M Van Lieshout
Jon, so very sorry for your loss.
Shelly Anne Cavins-Sauer
To the entire Kneepkens Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Don. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to all,
The Sauer Bunch…Ricky and Shelly
Sheree Collier Joosten
Jon,
I am sorry about the loss of your dad. I still remember when you lived on London Street. He was a loving father.
Sheree Collier Joosten
Steve & Teresa Snook
Jon & family, we are sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.