Conrad "Kip" Knapik

life story

Obituary

Knapik, Conrad “Kip” age 73, of Maple Grove MN and formerly of Northwest Indiana, passed away June 9, 2023 from complications of multiple myeloma following exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam. He is survived by wife Maryellen Knapik nee Spilewski; daughter Hollie (Brentt); sons Jacob “Jake” (Jamie) and Alex Conrad; daughter-in-law Cassandra Knapik nee Roach, grandchildren Cade, Talan, and Skylar Wessman, Alessandra “Sunny” Knapik, Daniel and Dalilah Gudino, and Payton Rose; brother Jacob “Jake” Knapik; sister Jackie Pajdzik (Tom); and niece Jodie Trimble nee Cox (Daniel). He was preceded in death by his twin brother Henry “Hank” Knapik; sister Judith “Judie” Cox, who passed on May 4th; father-in-law Robert “Bob” and mother-in-law Alexandria “Alice” Spilewski nee Kostro; mother Cornelia nee Dykstra, and father Henry.

About Kip

Kip proudly served in the Army from 1967 to 1970 with a year tour in Vietnam. During his service, he rose to Specialist-5 (today’s equivalent of Sergeant). After his military service, Kip worked for Prudential for 25 years, followed by Supervalu and Optum, with many roles but most as an IT specialist and data center operator. He was a great colleague and mentor to many, earning him the nickname "Captain Kip" among his co-workers. Kip was a man of few words, but his quiet authoritative nature made him a respected figure in his workplace.

Kip had a passion for cars, owning thirty-two automobiles over the course of his life. He was a proud fan of Chicago sports, particularly the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed making military and sports hats and clothes as a hobby in his later years. Kip was a dedicated family man who loved spending time with his loved ones. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. Kip met his wife Maryellen shortly after returning from his tour in Vietnam and never let her go. She was the love of his life, and they were the center of each other’s worlds. Her care for Kip during his illness was an act of incredible devotion and perseverance.

We are grateful to so many of the staff at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center who supported him and his family for the past two years of his life. Learn more about the devastating health consequences on the veterans who served in Vietnam and the epigenetic effects on their children. The non-profit Agent Orange Record is a good start.

memorial service

Remembrance at Maple Grove Veterans Memorial

June 17, 2023

Central Park of Maple Grove 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA

A small gathering June 17th at Maple Grove Veterans Memorial following cremation. The memorial is at the southwest corner of the park, near Lakeview Drive and Kirkwood Lane. Please, dress how you are comfortable; formality is not required.

Later in the fall, there will be a dedication at the memorial. Please contact the family for details.