William C. “Bill” Knapp, a distinguished leader, visionary businessman, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home on November 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 99.
After graduating from high school in 1944, at the age of 17-years-old, Knapp enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his parents’ consent. He was sent to the Pacific theater and the following year participated in the Battle of Okinawa as a landing craft pilot, shuttling Marines to the beach and bringing back the dead and wounded to the ship. His service left a lifelong mark on him.
A businessman, leader, and philanthropist, Knapp gave generously to organizations and causes that made Iowa a better place to live and work. As he often explained, “If you have the means to do it, you owe it back.”
Knapp’s service to Iowa’s veterans will live indefinitely through his donation of the land that became the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. That cemetery created a beautiful resting place for Iowa’s veterans. The visibility of the site along Interstate-80 demonstrates the honor Iowa has for its veterans. In addition, Mr. Knapp funded a Central Iowa Honor Flight, taking World War II veterans to Washington, DC to see the World War II Memorial.
A committal service with full military honors will be held at 11 am Friday, November 21, 2025, on the land that Knapp donated to create the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. The cemetery has honored thousands of veterans since opening in 2008.
The American Legion of Iowa would like to salute Bill Knapp for his service to our country, his contributions to our communities and the state of Iowa, and his commitment to honor Iowa’s veterans.
For a full obituary, visit https://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/William-Knapp/Van-Meter-Iowa/1894068.