LaVerne Elmer Knipe

LaVerne Elmer Knipe, 80, Sgt USAF, of Bettendorf, IA, formerly of Moline, IL, went to be with Jesus on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Bridge Cities Church (3487 Towne Pointe Dr. Bettendorf, IA). (There will be a sign language interpreter available and in attendance at the church). Graveside services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Thornber Cemetery near Nauvoo, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, to be used for a local Christmas Party benefit dedicated to supporting deaf children and their families. Sign language was a great passion of Laverne’s for most of his life.

LaVerne was born on May 29, 1946, in Keokuk, IA, to Golda May Mapes and Elmer Lester Knipe. He graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School in 1964.

LaVerne enlisted in the USAF in October 1964. Later he graduated from Gem City School of Horology in Quincy, IL.

LaVerne married Susan Ann Burdick on August 14, 1976, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Moline. Together they raised two daughters; Laura Ann and Rosemary Lyn.

LaVerne was employed at Shetter Feud Furniture and Kraft Jewelers. He later began his long-time career for the Police Department at the Rock Island Arsenal where he was employed for over 25 years and retired in 2005.

LaVerne enjoyed leading a dinner club, engraving plaques, growing and delivering his beloved red raspberries. He studied sign language and enjoyed having conversations with everyone he met. LaVerne also loved going to funerals where he could meet and talk to new friends. He enjoyed being an assistant coach to his daughters’ sports teams and was always interested in watching sports on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lester Knipe and Richard (Doloris) Knipe; sisters, Golda (Jim) McCauley and Ruth (Art) Muerhoff. LaVerne is survived by his wife, Susan Knipe of Bettendorf, IA; daughters, Laura Knipe of Moline, IL and Rosemary (Josh) Roberts of Bettendorf, IA; beloved granddaughter, Ruthie Roberts of Bettendorf, IA; brother Robert Knipe of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

LaVerne was a unique character and will be missed by many. He never met a stranger.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.