Obituary for Gary Leo Kneip Le Mars – Gary L. Kneip, 68, of Le Mars passed away into eternal life on Thursday June 12, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children following a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday June 17, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Le Mars. Reverend Richard Sitzmann will celebrate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday with a rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a scriptural prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Gary Leo Kneip was born on July 20, 1945 to Peter and Alvina (Plendl) Kneip in Le Mars, Iowa. He graduated from Gehlen Catholic High School in 1963. After high school, he joined the National Guard. On September 10, 1966, Gary and Janice Pottebaum were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, Iowa. They made their home near Le Mars where they farmed for 17 years.

Gary's entire career revolved around agriculture. In his early years he farmed and then became involved in fertilizer, seed and chemical application and sales. In 1990 Gary entered the farm equipment business, selling John Deere for ICON Ag & Turf. He loved working with his customers and co-workers and cherished the relationships that were built. Gary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars where he served as an usher.

Gary enjoyed golf and making chocolate chip cookies and took great pride in his garden. He was known as the family "fix-it" man and he made people laugh with his sense of humor. He was his grandkid's #1 fan and was often seen standing by the concession stand at their games, munching on popcorn, snickers and Coke.

He loved spending time with his family which includes his wife of 47 years, Janice of Le Mars; his daughters Sherry Kneip of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Stacy (Ryan) Wiltgen and their children Lexi, Baily, Blake, Cole and Gabe of Le Mars; sons Brent (Emily) Kneip and their children Tyler and Cael of Adel, IA; Troy (Noelle) Kneip and their children Landen, Drake and Boston of Le Mars; his sister, Marlene Harpenau of Le Mars; his brothers, Kenneth (Sally) Kneip of Le Mars and Norman (special friend Carol Ann Murray) of Knoxville, IA; sisters-in-law Connie Kneip of Le Mars, Helen (John) Jansen of Orange City, IA and Norma (John) Krantz of Granville, IA; brothers-in-law Roger (Mary Ann) Pottebaum and Junior Pottebaum all of Alton, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gary is welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his parents; brother Roddy Kneip; brothers-in-law LeRoy Harpenau and LeRoy Pottebaum; sisters-in-law Carole Kneip and Margie Pottebaum; niece Linda Kneip and his mother and father-in-law, Al and Colletta Pottebaum.

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