Arlene Kniep

Arlene Lois Kniep, born on March 19, 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023 in Claremont, CA. She was 91.

The youngest of three girls, Arlene spent her early years in Madison, Wisconsin, where she learned to play the piano at a young age. She was 13 years old when her family moved to California. They settled in Temple City, then moved to Alhambra. She attended Alhambra High where she met Orville Kniep, her future husband. They were married in 1950.

Music was always important to Arlene. A self-taught organist, Arlene played the organ at Temple City Church, and later at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arcadia, which her father Elmer Waldo helped build. She was the organist at Our Savior Lutheran for over 50 years and an avid participant in the church choir. While attending Citrus College for her Medical Assisting (AA) degree, she sang in the Concert Choir under director Ben Bollinger.

After her retirement, Arlene was involved with many non-profit organizations, including Lutheran Braille Workers, Lutheran Arrowhead Camp, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and Lutheran Hour Float Committee for the Rose Parade, which resulted in a much-cherished ride on the Lutheran Hour Float in the Rose Parade. She was also very involved with bible studies, youth groups, Sunday School and other activities and events at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Arlene loved holidays and delighted in annual Halloween parties for her grandchildren as well as celebrations at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. She lived her later years at Claremont Manor where her family loved visiting her, highlighted by memorable birthday bashes for her in the Manor courtyard each year. She appreciated the care and kindness shown by the Claremont Manor staff and was particularly happy to see Citrus College nursing students doing their clinical rotations at the Manor.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband Orville and her son Ronald. She is survived by sons, Richard Kniep and Daniel Kniep and daughter Laura Bollinger as well as 9 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Braille Workers, an organization she and her husband Orville volunteered for and valued the efforts of for many years.