David Knipper

DAVID KNIPPER

Marion

David Gerard Knipper, 56, of Marion, formerly of Dyersville, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, from complications of angiosarcoma of the liver, diagnosed in December 2016.

When Dave was diagnosed with cancer

he didn't let that cancer rule him. He ruled it.

Dave's "herd was formed" and helped him work through his bucket list, and supported him through his journey.

He worked up until the day he died, letting nothing stop him. Along with this, he continued to cheer on Andrew and the Hawkeyes, and usually was the loudest fan in the stands.

Euchre was his favorite card game, and he never liked to lose.

Dave was very proud of the work he did to ensure the success of the dairy and beef farmers that he helped throughout the years as a salesman for Prairie State/ Select Sires. He was very proud of his four-legged wives.

Dave was someone who always put others first, willing to help out when needed, and was a strong religious man. He did not inherit his father's handy man skills, and was lovingly called "The bolt breaker" by his family. He was many times seen as a human jungle gym to all of his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave. SW in Dyersville, where a parish vigil service will be held at 2 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home before the funeral service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dan Knipper (Dave's uncle) will officiate. Per Dave's request, casual dress is appropriate.

Dave, the son of Larry and Katie (Hosch) Knipper, married Victoria Thiede on Aug. 4, 2001, in Dyersville.

Survivors include his wife; son, Andrew Harrison; siblings, John (Deb) Knipper of Clear Lake, Michele (David) Kucharczyk of Onalaska, Wis., and Jude (Stacy) Knipper of Elk Horn, Neb.; sisters in-law, Shirley (Mark) Singsank of Dyersville, Audrey Spangenberg of Dallas and Barbara (David) Michel of Preston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Peter.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers or momentos of remembrance, Dave's wish is that a memorial fund would be established in his name, and/or for the future education of Andrew.