Mickey Lee Knipe

Mickey Lee Knipe, 83, of Nauvoo, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family at 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, after a long illness. Mickey was born on April 13, 1941, in Nauvoo, to Gerald & Lucille Aten Knipe. He was raised in Nauvoo, was a 1959 graduate of Nauvoo High School. After high school, he worked several jobs, including selling cars, & working in sales at Gambles Store, before starting his career at Lee County Bank. When starting at the bank, he began as a teller, but during his 37 year career there, he covered many roles, but what he was most known for was to develop the senior travel group, the Passport Club, in the late 80’s. Mickey took his group on many excursions, from day trips to trips to Las Vegas, and even a few cruises, as well as planned and hosted many events in the community. But moreover, he was known for helping seniors with all of their banking needs and sometimes other troubles they brought to him because they didn’t know where to go for help. After his retirement from the bank, he worked part-time for as a greeter for a funeral home for and worked over 10 years, before retiring in 2020.

On September 16, 1961, Mickey married Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Juettemeyer at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Nauvoo. Mickey & Beth chose to raise their family in Nauvoo, having three sons, Jeffrey, Timothy, & Anthony “Tony”, and one daughter, Michaela. Mickey’s most cherished roles in life were of husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather, and did whatever he needed to to take care of and provide for his family. When Mickey was younger, he developed an interest in photography, and he later used taking wedding & senior pictures for many people through the years.

Because of Mickey’s strong work ethic and generous nature, he served on many committees and in many groups through the years, including the Knights of Columbus & Kiwanis, and in various capacities for Ss. Peter & Parish and School. He was an active member of his parish, as his Catholic faith was very important to him, and he & Beth passed that faith along to their children by example. Mickey will mostly be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to do just about anything for a laugh, his love of the St. Louis Cardinals, and his love of his family.

Mickey’s survivors include his wife: Beth; 3 sons: Jeff (Lisa) Knipe of Fort Madison, IA, Tim (Dena) Knipe of Quincy, IL, & Tony (Susan) Knipe of Nauvoo; 1 daughter: Michaela Knipe of Nauvoo; 6 grandchildren: Ashlie (Mitchell) Bollin, Trevor (Ally) Knipe, Emma (Ethan Blaise) Knipe, Joel (Devan) Knipe, Molly Knipe, & Jaden Knipe; 3 great grandchildren: Colt, Camille & Cane and one on the way; 2 sisters: Sue (Ray) Falk of Roseville, CA, & Joni (Bob) Amann of Springfield, OR; 2 sisters-in-law: Virginia Knipe of Fort Madison & Judy (Floyd) Krogmeier of Fort Madison; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Jerry & Ronnie.

The visitation for Mickey will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. There will be a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo. Burial will follow in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Nauvoo. A memorial has been established for Ss. Peter & Paul School.