04/01/2026
Donald Dean Kniep
Donald Dean Kniep, 87, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. Donald was born on March 19, 1939, in Lincoln Nebraska to Julius and Rosa (Bryant) Kniep. He graduated from Howe High School in Indianapolis with the Class of 1957.
He married the love of his life, Nancy (Emberton), on January 19, 1961. Together they raised three loving daughters. Don enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, but nothing meant more to him than Nancy’s cooking—the comfort and love shared around home-cooked meals were ever present in their lives. After Nancy’s passing in 2017, Don started a ritual of Sunday breakfasts, usually at the local Denny’s or, occasionally, McDonald’s when the mood struck him.
Donald worked as a dock worker for Standard Grocery for 22 years and he was a proud member of Teamsters Local 135. A loyal and dedicated employee, he remained with the company until it was bought out by Marsh Supermarkets. He then went to work for CTT until he retired in 2001.
Above all, Don was known for being caring and nurturing. When his children were growing up, he raised chickens and ducks at his home in the city. His deep love for animals never faded, and he could often be found feeding birds and squirrels in his yard. One such squirrel grew especially fond of Don which made him exceptionally fat, waiting outside his door and occasionally coming inside for snacks. Don loved gardening, and his garden was never complete without his prized corn, green beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes. He was also known to load the girls up in car and go for long drives in the country, often popping in on relatives and friends. He often reminisced about a time when neighbors would visit one another with no reason or agenda—just stopping by to be neighborly.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; Julius, and Rosa; his wife, Nancy; his brothers, Bill Kniep, and David Kniep; his granddaughter, Amanda Cook; and his brothers-in-law, Sonny Goodloe and Mike Carr.
He is survived by his daughters, Terri (Jeff) Wilson, Debbie (Brad) Deck, and Pam Redenbarger; his grandchildren, Jeffery (Sarah) Doughty, Stephen (Elizabeth) Doughty, and Kala (Leathen) Scott; his great-grandchildren, Jacob Cook, Jackson Cook, Jayden Cook, Hayden Doughty, Emma Scott, and Stella Scott; and his siblings, Alice (Rick) Spencer, Eileen Goodloe, and Phyllis Carr.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday April 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at New Palestine Cemetery 5055 500W, New Palestine IN 46163. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com
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