George A. Knepper

George A. Knepper, 100, of Cascade, IA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on January 24, 2026, at Accura Health Care of Cascade.  

Friends and relatives of George may call 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m., and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 3:00 p.m.   Visitation will also continue after 9 a.m. on Monday, February 2nd at the funeral home. 

Services for George will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, with Rev. Daniel J.  Knepper, Rev. Michael Schueller and Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Cascade with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

George was born on March 16, 1925, in Cascade, the son of William and Ida (Kremer) Knepper.  He graduated from St Paul's High School in Worthington in 1941.   On June 25, 1952, he was united in marriage to Alma Trumm at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Temple Hill.  Together they raised nine children.

George lived a full century rooted in faith, family, friends and farming.  A lifelong farmer, he was known for his strong work ethic and deep love of the land, values he proudly passed onto his children.  Even in his later years, when he was no longer working the fields himself, he continued to enjoy what he jokingly called “roadside farming” from the passenger seat of a vehicle.  

A man of strong and steady faith, George was a lifelong member of St. Matthias Parish, where he regularly attended Mass and prayed the rosary.  He was involved in his parish as an usher, lector and Eucharistic Minister, living his faith not only in prayer but in service to others.

George proudly served his country as a World War II veteran and later had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight, an experience he deeply cherished.  

Committed to his community, George held positions on the Aquin and Western Dubuque School Boards, as well as the Dubuque County Conservation Board, always working to support education, agriculture, and future generations.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 528 and the Knights of Columbus.

In his free time, he enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes.  He loved a good card game, particularly euchre, later in life enjoyed traveling with family to places he hadn't been able to visit during his busy farming years.

George will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family and community, love of farming, and the humble example of a life well lived.  

Those left to cherish his memory are his nine children; Charles (Sue) Knepper of Cascade, Ruth (Doug) Nolte of Owatonna, MN, Cheri (Jay) Konzen of Dyersville, Phil (Lynn) Knepper of Worthington, Patti (Terrence) O'Meara of Bloomington, IL, Russ (Ann) Knepper of Peosta,  Scot (Karen) Knepper, Kristi Knepper and Matt (Vicki) Knepper all of Cascade, 32 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, brother Mike Knepper, sisters Joan Anstoetter, Ida Trumm and sister-in-law Lois Manternach.  

George was preceded in death by his wife; Alma, his parents, his father and mother-in-law; John and Elizabeth Trumm, his siblings; Carl (Marie) Knepper, Irene (Ernie) Recker, Walter (Mary) Knepper, Helen (Frank) Carroll, Rosalyn (Ed) Ludwig, Loras (Mary) Knepper, Paul (Gladys) Knepper, brothers and sisters-in-law; Jean Knepper, John Anstoetter, John Trumm, Mary (Fred) Reiter, Dorothy (Larry) Yanda, Leroy (Mary)  (Rosene) Trumm, Robert (Betty) Trumm, Millie (Ed) Hosch, Lloyd Manternch, and a granddaughter Katie Einck.  

Special thanks to Accura Health Care, Sherry Kelchen and the Medical Associates-Cascade clinic, MercyOne and Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care, kindness and support given to George and his family.  

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

A George A. Knepper memorial fund has been established

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