Rita Knipstein

Rita Marie Knipstein, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 18, 2025. Rita was born on June 21, 1937 in Washington County to Leon and Louise Wrobleski. She lived a full and beautiful life grounded in faith, hard work, and a deep love for those around her. She grew up attending St. Mary's Catholic school, where she built the foundation of the values she carried throughout her life.

She met James Milroy Knipstein and married on September 3, 1955. They had two children together, Mark and Connie and poured her heart into raising and supporting her family.

A true country woman at heart, she loved working cattle and spending time outdoors. One of her greatest joys was driving her mule through the pasture, taking in the peace and beauty of the land she loved.

She cherished time with her ladies' card group, especially playing "Hand and Foot" with her dear friends, "the 4 amigos". Those afternoons were filled with laughter, stories, good food, and lifelong friendship.

Family was the center of her world. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding endless joy and delight in each of them and carrying their love close to her heart.

She will be remembered for her strength, her gentle spirit, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, James Milroy Knipstein; son, Mark C. Knipstein and grandson, Colt M. Knipstein. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Knipstein; daughter in law, Debbie Knipstein; sister, Lucille Rybarski; grandchildren, James C. Knipstein (Tara), Kristina Eldridge (Turner), Kaci Krueger and Daniel Knipstein (Stephanie) and great- grandchildren; Layton Knipstein, Avery Moudry, Haven Knipstein, River Knipstein, McCrae Eldridge, Brielynn Eldridge, Liam Knipstein, Jaxson Lampe, Logan Lampe and Layla Farquhar.

A visitation for Rita will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:30 am at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church located at 356 South Berlin Road, Brenham, Texas with burial to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery located at 1004 Prairie Lea Street, Brenham, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be: James C. Knipstein, Turner Eldridge, Darrell Knipstein, Gary Koerth, Dean Rybarski, Mark Schwartz and Johnnie Eckert. Honorary pallbearer is Daniel Knipstein.

Memorial Contributions may be donated to any hospice organization of your choice or Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in Rita's honor.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.