Dennis Leo Knipp, Longtime Pilot Grove Mayor, Dies at 90

Knipp served his community for over two decades as mayor and was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:18pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus scene of a small-town main street at dusk, with warm pools of light from streetlamps and shop windows, conveying a sense of community and nostalgia.The passing of longtime Pilot Grove mayor Dennis Leo Knipp marks the end of an era for this close-knit Missouri community.Tipton Today

Dennis Leo Knipp, a longtime mayor of Pilot Grove, Missouri, passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 90. Knipp served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for the State of Missouri Division of Insurance as an Insurance Examiner. He was deeply committed to his community, serving as mayor of Pilot Grove for over 20 years. Knipp was also a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Why it matters

Knipp's passing marks the end of an era for Pilot Grove, a small Missouri town where he was a respected community leader for decades. His long tenure as mayor and active involvement in the local Catholic church highlight the importance of civic engagement and faith-based institutions in sustaining small-town America.

The details

Dennis Leo Knipp was born on January 5, 1936, in Tipton, Missouri, to Peter Joseph Knipp, Jr. and Emma (Kramer) Knipp. He married Joan Marie Spaedy on October 12, 1963, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove. Knipp is survived by two children, Joe Knipp of Pilot Grove and Donna Knipp of New York, as well as one brother, Leroy Knipp, and two sisters, Joann Knipp and Emma Rose Dubbert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, as well as six brothers and two sisters.

  • Dennis Leo Knipp passed away on March 28, 2026.
  • Knipp's visitation will be held on April 2, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove, followed by a Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial.

The players

Dennis Leo Knipp

A 90-year-old resident of Pilot Grove, Missouri, who served as the town's mayor for over 20 years and was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Joan Marie Spaedy

Knipp's wife, who passed away on February 13, 2007.

Peter Joseph Knipp, Jr.

Knipp's father.

Emma (Kramer) Knipp

Knipp's mother.

Joe Knipp

Knipp's son, who lives in Pilot Grove.

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What’s next

Knipp's visitation, Rosary, and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 2, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove. He will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.

The takeaway

Dennis Leo Knipp's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of Pilot Grove, where he served as a respected community leader and faithful member of the Catholic church for over two decades. His life of public service and dedication to his community serves as an inspiration for others to follow in his footsteps.