Gerald “Jerry” Kneip, 80, of Le Mars passed away on Friday, February 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. Father Paul Eisele will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars with military honors provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. A Rosary will take place at 4:00 p.m. with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Saturday.
Gerald Francis Kneip was born on August 7, 1933 in Le Mars, Iowa to Nicolas and Dorothy (Kunkel) Kneip. He attended grade school in Oyens and graduated from Remsen St. Mary’s Catholic High School. As a young man he worked as a farm hand. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 21, 1954. Jerry served his country during the Korean War as an ASM Launcher Crewman. He attained the rank of SP-3 prior to earning his honorable discharge on January 20, 1956.
On August 13, 1957 Jerry and Loree Frances Stinton were united in marriage at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. They made their home in Le Mars where they raised their three boys, Steve, Kevin and Todd. Jerry farmed along with driving a truck for Select Feeds. In the 1990’s, Jerry and Loree managed the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Jerry was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion and a former member of the B.P.O Elks. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and gardening.
He will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Steve and Kathy Kneip of Le Mars, Kevin and Sylvia Kneip of La Quinta, California and Todd and Wanda Kneip of Le Mars; seven grandchildren, Brandon, Stephanie (special friend Nick), Jacob, Nicole, Jordan, Jaden and Maddison; two great-grandchildren, Candice and Delanie; a sister Cindy and Delbert Berkenpas of Le Mars; a brother, Dick and Joyce Kneip of Oyens, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Ruth Kneip of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loree on August 21, 2002; a brother and a sister-in-law, Loren and Mary Kneip, brother, Robert Kneip; a sister, Donna Mae Kneip; and a nephew, John Kneip.
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