Michael Leonard Knipe

Michael Leonard Knipe

TRAVERSE CITY- Michael Leonard Knipe, 68, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Munson Medical Center. Mike was born on October 22, 1946, in Petoskey, Michigan, to the late Berten (Ted) and Margaret (Donian) Knipe. He proudly served his country in the U.S, Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a life member of Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780, the American Military League and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Interlochen. Mike loved to deer hunt and to spend time on the water, both sailing and fishing, with his two best friends. Above all, spending time with his family was Mike's great joy.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Tamera, his sons and daughters; Todd (Maureen) Knipe, Jeannine Webb, Todd (Kim) Cox and Bridget (Zane) Hackett, 11 grandchildren; Danielle, Tyler, Rachel, Amber, Brianna, Billy, Montana, Jamie Aidan, Ashton and Ian. Also surviving are four brothers and a sister; Berten (Trudy) Knipe, Terry (Gloria) Knipe, Robert Knipe, Sharon Arvidson and Carl (Deborah) Knipe, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by three grandchildren; Tristan, Taylor and Austin.

Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780. Honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Friends are welcome to visit with Mike's family at the V.F.W. Post the same day starting at 10:00 a.m.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Mike's family c/o Tamera Knipe.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Mike's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.