Joan Kneipp, 94, of Waco, TX, passed away peacefully just after midnight on January 30, 2024.
Funeral Service: 10AM Friday, February 9 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Waco, TX
Joan was born on Sep. 21, 1929, to Lonie H. Dodson and Newton Columbus Dodson in Coushatta, LA. At age 16, Joan received a full, four-year scholarship to Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, LA and attained her BA in Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Frederick W. Kneipp. Joan liked to tell the story of how she met Fred. She said, “I noticed him one day wearing a cool, blue jacket. I had never seen a jacket like that before! So, I just went up to him and told him how much I loved his jacket!”. Well, they were married soon afterwards, and moved to Sewanee, TN where Fred continued his journey into the Episcopal priesthood.
After Fred received his ordination, they moved to Sulphur, LA, then Marianna, AR, and finally West Memphis, AR, and Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Not long afterwards, Joan started Holy Cross Episcopal Day School, where she coordinated the teachers, taught Math, Art, and History, Fred was Headmaster and resident Spanish teacher. Needless to say, they had their hands full.
In 1967 Fred accepted a call to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Waco, TX, where Joan began teaching in the Waco Independent School District for what would be her lifelong passion. Tragically, Fred, at 47 succumbed to hepatitis in 1972, and Joan dutifully took the helm with five kids, and as she would sometimes say “By the Grace of God go I”. She worked out the logistics of traveling back and forth from Waco to Stephenville to successfully earn her master’s degree in special education from Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX.
She was loved by her children, and all her students everywhere. She had unlimited energy, a loving, yet firm outlook on teaching and was an exceptional artist. She seldom complained and was a joy to be around since she made everyone feel special. Her favorite saying was, “That’s marvelous Darling!”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonie H. Dodson and Newton Columbus Dodson and husband, Frederick William Kneipp; son, John Horton Kneipp; and brother, Horton Dodson.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Louise Pattengill (Barry); sons, Frederick Paul Kneipp of Ft. Meyers, FL, Stephen Manning Kneipp (Julie) of Laurel, MS, and Timothy Charles Kneipp (Catherine); grand-children, Victoria Ashby, Mark Pattengill (Kristina), John Paul Kneipp (Annie), Eleanor Doss (Ricky), Thomas Kneipp, Mark Kneipp, Brandon Kneipp, John Michael Kneipp, Leah Mendes (Kyle), David Kneipp, Annie Kneipp, Blake Kneipp; great-grandchildren, Brenna Ashby, Nicholas Ashby, Liam Kneipp, Sydney Kneipp, Julian Kneipp, Ricky Doss, Lilah Doss, Hudson Doss, Mila Zamora, Grayson Zamora, and Montana Mendes.
In Lieu of flowers send gifts to St. Alban’s Endowment Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Place of Service: St. Alban's Episcopal Church , 305 N. 30th St.; Waco, TX 76710
Print Obituary & Condolences
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Joan. She was my mom’s dearest friend and the nearest thing to being her sister as well. I have many fond memories of visiting with Joann and the Kneipp kids in Coushatta, Louisiana and playing in Bubba’s (Lonie’s) “big house.” That house was purchased and moved somewhere….I just don’t remember where. My prayers are with Joan’s family for peace and comfort at her passing. She was a “Marvelous” and an amazing lady.
Catherine and Tim,
How wonderful she has been released from her failing earthy body. Tim, I knew your mother through Saint Alban’s when Jeff Fisher was the Priest. She was such a delight and we always had fun when she was hosting. Please know I’m thinking of you and our dear Catherine. Prayers dear ones.
Aunt Becca
We had the pleasure of meeting the matriarch of the Kneipp family in the latter years of her life. Joan was full of delightful stories about teaching, singing, painting and parenting. Our time with Joan was, “ simply marvelous, Darling.” Sending Peace and Love to all of Joan’s family and friends and former students.
“Everything is mar-va-lous darling”!! I can just hear her say this as she entered into her rest. So many family members she will see, but how glorious to see the Lord Jesus!
She was a wonderful, happy, life of the party kinda gal.
I have so many memories of Joan , Rebecca, Paul, Stephen, John and Timothy- my cousins.
Our parents, Frances and Jerry were extremely close to Joan. Growing up together Joan was the sister mom never had and Daddy would have done anything for her.
I wish I could have seen her more. Hugs to all, Beverly
Mrs. Kneipp taught my art class in Junior High School. I remember her walking around the table stating expressions of “That’s marvelous!” , “Beautiful” etc. I loved her art class, but more importantly I loved feeling like I could do anything when I walked out of her class. She really built up my confidence. She was such a lovely person. I will never forget her.
My sympathies to the Kneipp family. She was one of my favorite teachers, ever …she truly was marvelous!
Our deepest sympathies extend to the entire Kneipp family. Although our interactions with Joan were limited, her warmth and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on us. Her infectious smile and joy resonated in every phone call and letter, creating a sense of connection even from afar. May her teachings continue to inspire and guide her students, family, and friends. We will forever cherish the memory of her enthusiastic exclamation of ‘Oh darling, that is marvelous!’ May Joan rest in eternal peace.
We knew Joan are St Albans. I knew her in Waco ISD. When she sang in the choir she made the hymn so beautiful. What a wonderful lady!
My sincerest condolences.
Mrs. Kneipp was a wonderful friend and mentor.
We had a great time teaching at Carver STARS..some of the best days of my life.
Mrs. Kneipp was a very wise lady, and the older I become, the more I realized what great advice she had, even though I didn’t fully appreciate her wisdom when I was younger.
I still run in to former students that remember Mrs. Kneipp and appreciate all she did for them.
My condolences go out to The Kneipp Family. I became friends with Mrs. Kneipp as one of her students , in her Art Class at Lake Air Jr High , but our friendship grew bigger for she was someone you could go to for help with life’s troubles . with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye
I enjoyed getting to know her over these last few months! Rebecca, you and your family will always be in my prayers.
What a lovely lady. It was an honor knowing her. Her positive attitude and smike always made my day!!!
Mrs. Kneipp was absolutely my most favorite teacher in junior high! I had her for art and thoroughly enjoyed being there everyday. We had such a great time in her class. I know she is lighting up Heaven right now. Condolences to all her surviving family.
Mrs. Kneipp was one of those rare people that come along only once in a lifetime. Her zest for life, love of all things marvelous and incredible sense of humor, and resilience, will be forever remembered by me. When I think of my childhood, I think of her and the hole Kneipp family who served the St. Alban’s community with love and selflessness. I believe she is with her dear husband and son and I pray for the passes that passes all understanding for those that knew and loved her.
She was such a terrific person, I’m so happy to have seen her at the HC reunion. She will be greatly missed, the very best to her family at this sad time.