Knepp, Thomas John

Thomas John Knepp, 54, died April 8, 2013, of ocular melanoma cancer at his home.

He was born March 14, 1959, in Kalona, Iowa, the son of Wallace and Wilma (Swartzendruber) Knepp. Tom graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1977 and from the University of Iowa College of Engineering with a B.S. degree. On Feb. 8, 2003, he was united in marriage to Connie Hylton in Cedar Rapids. He attended New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids and enjoyed reading and studying the Bible.

Tom has lived in rural Iowa City most of his life where he farmed and was a mechanical engineer at McLanahan Corporation in Cedar Rapids. He was also the owner of Circle K Transportation. Trucking was always an important part of his life and over the years “High Pockets” worked for Heartland Express, Lou Summerville, Tom Yoder, and Twin County Dairy.

Tom loved to farm and was a devoted caretaker of the land. He implemented innovative techniques, including organic farming and dairy goats and also took the opportunity to visit the Ukraine to hear about their farming techniques. Tom was also passionate about motocross racing and enjoyed flying.

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie of Iowa City; his mother, Wilma Knepp of Iowa City; three sisters, Laura Burns (Kerry) of Pringle, S.D., Sandra Knepp of St. Louis, Mo., and Charlotte Knepp-Cason (Robert) of Iowa City; niece, Jennifer Snyder (Steve); nephew, Logan Burns; and Erik, a little boy who Tom loved like a son.

He was preceded in death by his father; and his grandparents, John and Mary Knepp and Lee and Emma Swartzendruber.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Fairview Mennonite Church, rural Kalona. Burial will be at Eash Cemetery, rural Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona.

Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

A memorial fund has been established.

Published April 11, 2013 in The Gazette