Obituary of Merrianne Belle Knickelbine

Merrianne Knickelbine, 60, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, passed away on January 13, 2023. She did so peacefully, surrounded by loved ones after a difficult battle with cancer. Merrianne was born August 31, 1962 to Claire and Ann Kispert in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from Eden Prairie High School in 1981, she began working in the hospitality industry at Steak and Ale. She then worked at The Anchorage restaurant and lounge, where she met her lifelong friend Paula Kennedy. Merrianne was married to her husband, Ted Knickelbine, for 35 years. They wed at the St. Paul Conservatory Arboretum on November 1, 1987. In April of 1988, they welcomed a son, Benjamin, into their lives. Merrianne was a loving mother who cherished her role as a parent and loved her son deeply. As Ted was born and raised in Wisconsin, it was no surprise that Merrianne quickly became an avid fan of Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Merrianne would often show her support for the Packers by wearing green and gold or sporting cheesehead memorabilia. Although she never wanted to create a scene with rival fans, Merrianne had no trouble letting everyone know where her football loyalty lay. Merrianne lived a life full of kindness, love, and compassion for everyone she met - not to mention her Keeshond dogs. In 1996, Merrianne moved to Lake Havasu City and became a teacher's aide at Oro Grande Elementary School, working with special needs children. Merrianne eventually continued her career in the hospitality industry, working at Montana Steak House, the Moose lodge, and as banquet manager at The Pub. However, she ultimately found her home at the local Eagles club. Merrianne was a member (sister) of The Fraternal Order of Eagles of Lake Havasu City #4299 for 17 years. She was a very active member involved in raising money for many charities. She was a beloved daytime bartender, with boundless energy, who always had a smile and hug for her many friends. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Merrianne, as the Eagles’ charity chair, successfully raised a record-breaking $35,000 for The Cancer Foundation in August 2022. She will truly be missed by all that met, knew, and loved her. Merrianne was preceded in death by her parents, Claire and Ann. She is survived by her husband, Ted, her son Benjamin (and his soulmate Tracy Soulé), her brother Tim Kispert (and his wife Sarah), her sister Heidi Kispert, her many cousins, and countless other friends and acquaintances. A celebration of Merrianne's life will be held at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1561 Marlboro Dr., on Monday, January 30 at 6:00 pm in their social room. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Merrianne's name to the ASPCA. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.