Virginia Lynn Knappenberger

Virginia “Ginny” Knappenberger was born in the summer of 1942 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, one of five children of Norbert and Edna Nuttleman. Raised on the family farm, she learned the value of hard work and responsibility through the everyday chores that were part of farm life. She graduated from West Salem High School in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin.

Following graduation, Ginny began her career as a medical technologist before finding a second calling as a science teacher, inspiring middle and high school students. Her sense of adventure took her to Japan, where she accepted a teaching position with the Department of Defense and met Joe Knappenberger. Their meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that would span 57 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventure and service. Ginny and Joe later returned to Japan, where they welcomed their only daughter, Elise, and began a new chapter of their lives as a family.

After returning to the United States, Ginny devoted her time and talents to volunteering with nonprofit organizations in the communities where she lived. Her service included the Brandywine Museum of Art in West Chester, Pennsylvania; the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Georgia; and the Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Through her work with these institutions, Ginny continued to contribute to the cultural and educational life of her communities.

Ginny passed away peacefully on October 25, surrounded by her immediate family. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; her daughter, Elise [David]; her grandchildren, Ainsley [Jesse], Jack, Caroline, and Colin; and her sisters, Barbara, Rosalind, and Jeanette.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Father Lutheran Church (6335 S Holly St, Centennial) on Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ginny’s memory may be made to the Douglas County Libraries or Our Father Lutheran Church.