Norbert M Knapp Obituary (1926 - 2007)

Norbert M. Knapp, 80, of Aurora was born November 11, 1926 in Independence, Iowa the second son of Leslie and Lucy Dozark Knapp. He graduated from Aurora High School in 1944 and continued his education at Upper Iowa University. He served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII in Germany from August 14, 1945 until his honorable discharge on January 14, 1947. He joined the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department in 1947, which he enjoyed very much. Norb married the love of his life Eileen Jenks on August 30, 1950 at Sacred Heart Rectory in Oelwein. They spent 57 wonderful years together. Norb graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1951 with a BS cum laude. He also had minor degrees in math, chemistry, and humor. Norb owned and operated Knapp's service station in Aurora for 45 years. He gave great pride in giving his customers great service. As an added bonus they also received continuous jokes, a great sense of humor, and his wonderful personality. Norb was an active community worker. He was a 50 year veteran on the Aurora Fire Department and American Legion, secretary of the community club, and a member of the Historical Society. He also was elected mayor of Aurora in 1952 and served for many years. Norb was an avid water skier and loved his time on the Mississippi river. All the kids learned to ski, no matter how much water they drank. Because of his love for Eileen, he learned to fish. He claimed to be the better fisherman, but Eileen knows that's just a fish story. One of his favorite hobbies was wood working. He made many beautiful oak items for family, friends, and the community. He could make anything out of wood from a Christmas ornament to a roll top desk or fireplace mantle. They all will be greatly treasured. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor. He never forgot a joke and was quick to repeat them. He especially lived to make up, listen to and repeat Bohemian jokes (We think many of them could be from experience). Norbert M. Knapp unexpectedly passed from this life Sunday evening July 8, 2007 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Richard. Survivors include his wife Eileen of Aurora; three children: his daughter Kaye Reiling (Kevin Passick) of Aurora; his daughter Pam (Gary) Kester of San Diego, CA; his son Scott (Sandy) of Eagle, ID; five grandchildren: Jeremy Reiling (Holly Oliver) of Winthrop, Jenni (J.D.) Myers of Humbolt, Kelsey Reiling of Cedar Falls,Joe kester and Mike Kester; step grandchildren Amanda and Kyle Passick of Aurora; great grandson Jack Myers of Humbolt; his brother Leslie (Lois) Knapp of San Antonio, TX; his sister JoAnne (Robert) McMasters of Woodstock, IL; a sister in law Marilyn of Saginaw, MI; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. His family loved him greatly and will miss him dearly. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday July 12, 2007 at the American Legion Hall in Aurora, Iowa with LaVerne Lentz officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Aurora American Legion Post 435. Interment will be in Madison Cemetery south of Aurora. Casketbearers will be Junior Hawkins, Charles Jenks, William Gibson, Eldon Ingamells, Don Gapinski, and Norb Kortenkamp. Honorary bearers will be James Kivell, Delbert Flickinger, and Ed Meehan. Visitation will be from 3 PM until 8 PM Wednesday July 11 at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop with a Fireman's Tribute at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aurora Fire Department of the Aurora Historical Society. The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.