Obituary of Dorothy Knippenberg

Dorothy (Moore) Knippenberg, age 96, died Monday, June 26, 2006 at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital, Wayne. Mrs. Knippenberg was born January 2, 1910, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and the late Susan (DuPree) Moore. She lived in Wayne and was formerly of Fair Lawn. Mrs. Knippenberg was a graduate of Pratt Institute, NY. She worked with her husband John at their family business, Country Club Ice Cream Co. in Paterson in the office and also designed the logos for the company, previously she did the ad work for Meyer Brothers in Paterson. John & Dorothy Knippenberg purchased the 30 plus acre botanical oasis now known as Laurelwood Arboretum in the 1930s. From 1961 an active nursery specializing in rhododendrons and azaleas, Laurelwood became renowned in the horticultural world for its registered hybrids, natural beauty and expertise of Dorothy. The Arboretum became part of the Wayne Parks System in 1996, and since 2004 has been preserved by Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum, a not-for-profit membership association, and was maintained with the assistance of Mrs. Knippenberg, The Township of Wayne, various volunteers, garden clubs and scout troops. Laurelwood contains over 500 varieties of choice and unusual rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs and trees, with each season bringing a new wave of color and texture. Mrs. Knippenberg was a member of the Pines Lake Garden Club, Wayne and the Rhododendron Society. She established the Pines Lake School Garden which is still maintained by the Garden Club. She was a lecturer,for the school and to many Scout organizations, enabling students to have a hands on experience with Nature at the Arboretum. She is survived by one sister: Ethel Prall of Whiting, NJ, a Nephew, Herbert J. Hillman of Stowe, VT and many great-nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her husband John F. and 2 Sisters: Ruth Hendrickson and Susan Rohde. A private graveside serivce will be Friday at 11:00 am at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa will be celebrated by Dr. David E. Wiley. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends Of Laurelwood Arboretum, PO Box 2433, Wayne, NJ 07470 Friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering in the garden on Saturday at 10AM