Winifred Lillian Knippa

Born on May 16, 1932, in Belleville, Illinois, to Dell B. and Leona Louise Stafford, Winnie was the oldest of four daughters. Her love of art and education took her to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she earned a degree in Studio Art. Later, she earned a master’s in library science. She married the love of her life, Lyndon Knippa, in June 1977. The two built a beautiful home together in Cabool, Missouri, and spent summers traveling the world.

Winnie was the embodiment of love and warmth, offering unconditional support and care for everyone she met. She nurtured family and friends with compassion and blueberry pie. Her beloved husband, three strong daughters and stepdaughter, four grandchildren, and countless friends were her greatest joy, and her legacy will continue to inspire them for generations to come.

As a talented artist, Winnie had a unique ability to capture the beauty around her through still-lifes and portraits. She passed on that love for art and her love of books to students in Cabool and Willow Springs, Missouri, where she taught for years. She was a lifelong learner, with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for knowledge. She believed that education was a powerful tool and even after retirement continued to teach many families who settled in the Ozarks.

Above all, Winnie loved unconditionally. She had a profound ability to make everyone she met feel special. She saw the good in everyone and uplifted those around her with compassion and empathy. Her unwavering support and encouragement were a beacon of hope and strength to all who knew her.

As we say goodbye to Winnie, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, creativity, and learning. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Winnie is survived by her dear husband Lyndon Knippa of Columbia; her three children, Nancy Alpers of Kansas City, Melissa Alpers-Springer and Beth Alpers, both of Columbia; a step-daughter, Anna Land and her husband Andy Land of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Kate Springer and her husband Brent Ehrhardt of Kirkwood, Emily Springer of Columbia, Paul Springer and his wife Paige Runge of Columbia, and Zoe Land of Austin, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Addy, Eloise, and Quinn Ehrhardt of Kirkwood; two sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lenior Woods Lutheran Senior Service Employee Appreciation fund as a tribute to Winnie’s memory, continuing her mission to create a better world for all. The tribute website is https://www.billerpayments.com/app/donationsui/?bsn=lssdp#/donations/payment