Jeane Knapp

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Beverly Jeane Knapp, 101 of Cedar Falls, Iowa passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023. Jeane was born August 17, 1921, in Des Moines, IA. Her parents, Dale and Ferne Sprow moved to Waterloo, IA in 1932. Jeane graduated from West High School in 1939. She attended University of Iowa and Northern Iowa before her marriage in 1942 to Dr. Dale Harris. He served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy for five years. Dr. Harris was a surgeon on the U.S.S. St. Louis when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Jeane was on Oahu at that time and both survived the bombing. Jeane was very involved in Marshalltown, IA, as Auxiliary president of Mercy Hospital and also president of Marshalltown Assistance League. She was active in PEO chapter JU in Marshalltown and chapter FV in Cedar Falls. Jeane was widowed in 1959 and married Gerald F. Knapp in 1960. Always interested in fashion, she owned and operated Jeane's Fashions for 12 years before she and Jerry retired and joined her parents in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. Jeane continued her active lifestyle and was awarded Arkansas’ State Senior Award and was also the Super Senior Golf Champion in 1993. She and Jerry loved to play golf with friends and enjoy time on the lake in Cherokee Village. When Jeane relocated back to Iowa to be closer to her daughter, she became an enthusiastic supporter of UNI and attended as many sporting and cultural events as possible. All of her grandchildren looked forward to visiting their adventurous grandma, accompanying her on fun excursions and enjoying her constant cheerful attitude and zest for life. Jeane will always be remembered for her spirited and fun-loving outlook on life. She was positive, optimistic, adventurous and always willing to try new things. Her resilience was inspiring to all. When asked her secret to longevity, she replied, “enjoying people!” She truly loved everyone around her and her love was felt deeply by her family and friends. Her grandchildren will forever cherish the many fun experiences with grandma well into her later years including water skiing, ziplining, sailing, motorcycle riding, castle exploring, and mountain road trips. Jeane especially cherished the special travel experiences all over the world with her daughter and best friend, Holly. All of the family and friends agree that anytime we enjoy margaritas- her favorite drink, there is no doubt that we will be toasting our lovely Jeane! Jeane and her family will be forever grateful to her faithful friend Cori, for weekly cheery visits. They are also thankful for the excellent care that Jeane received from the staff at the Western home and Deery Suites. Jeane was preceded in death by her parents, Ferne and Dale Sprow; husbands, Dr. Dale Harris and Gerald F. Knapp; her children, Brother Patrick Harris OSB, Dr. Neil S. (Cynthia) Harris, Holly Lynn (Dennis) Kruger, Dixie Knapp Jorgenson and Bobby Lee (Susan) Knapp. Her grandchildren, Timothy Knapp, Vanessa Harris, Philip (Jodi) Kruger, Kurt Kruger and Jennifer Harris. Jeane is survived by her granddaughters, Katharine Harris, Dr. Laurel Knapp, Stacy Kruger, Heidi Kruger and Kim Kruger. She is also survived by great grandchildren: Nick Harris Hammer, Wyatt James Hammer, Oliver Knapp, Anna Knapp and Django Vermeulen. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. If you would like to make a memorial contribution to PEO in Jeane Knapp’s memory, contributions can be made payable to: Continuing Education or PCE 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312

Jeane Knapp

August 17, 1921 - June 18, 2023