Vinetta M. Knipstein

Vinetta M. Knipstein, 92, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, formerly of New Haven, died Thursday, April 7, 2011. She was born to the late Edward and Alma Heine on February 14, 1919 on a farm outside of New Haven, Indiana. Vinetta spent the majority of her life on the farm where she was born. Vinetta graduated from New Haven High School in 1937 but never strayed far from the place where she was born. In 1939 she married the love of her life, Harold Knipstein, and they continued to live on the farm where she was born and where they raised their three children. Vinetta loved to bake and cook, was an incredible seamstress and seemed to excel at whatever she put her hands to. When Harold died in 1989, Vinetta moved to New Haven. Vinetta was active in Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven. She also found great joy in serving the community as President and other offices of the New Haven Woman’s club. She was also a past President of the Lutheran Health Services Society of Fort Wayne, Indiana and volunteered her services at the Lutheran Hospital and later Parkview Memorial for over 40 years. In her late 80’s Vinetta’s macular degeneration forced her to make major life decisions. With little fear she abandoned the life she had known in Indiana to move to Sun Lakes, Arizona to be near her daughters, Lois and Marilyn. She made many new friends at the Renaissance where she lived and enjoyed a wonderful life. Vinetta immensely enjoyed getting together with friends and chatting and playing cards even with her limited vision. She also was active in the Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes. She is survived by her children, Lois Willis of Sun Lakes, AZ, Marilyn Hartkopf of Plymouth, MA and Sun Lakes, AZ, and Harold Lynn Knipstein of Fortville; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Carl and Dale Knipstein; and brother, V. Paul Heine. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2011 the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana with calling one hour prior. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACVI), 3100 E Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008, Worship for Shut-ins, 5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825o, or Emanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven.

Vinetta M. Knipstein

April 7, 1919 - April 7, 2011